The friendship between India’s legendary cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is not limited to just the field. Both of them have played cricket together for almost two decades, have seen difficult times, been a part of big victories and have handled India’s hopes in many memorable matches. Now Rohit Sharma has spoken openly about his friendship with Virat Kohli, his thinking and his contribution to Indian cricket.
The international careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli started with a difference of about a year. Rohit entered international cricket in 2007, while Virat made his international debut in 2008. After this, both remained important members of the Indian team for a long time. Played with different captains, captained themselves and then also contributed to the team under each other’s captaincy.
According to Rohit Sharma, due to playing together for such a long time, such an understanding has developed between the two, which does not require many words. Rohit told JioHotstar, ‘There is a strong friendship between us. We understand what it takes to play at this level. Our methods are different, but that’s how it should be, because every person is different.
Rohit Sharma told that their friendship started around the Australia tour. Some old memories of that period are still special for both of them. He said that whenever a video or moment related to that time appears on TV, both of them start laughing after seeing each other. This means that in this years old relationship, along with the seriousness of cricket, friendship and light moments also have their place.
Kohli is not going to change: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma left no scope for doubt about Virat Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket. He said that what Kohli has achieved for the team is visible to everyone and there will be no major change in his attitude in future also. Rohit said, ‘There is no need to question what he has done for the team. This is in front of everyone. I don’t think anything will change in future also. He will remain the same Virat Kohli we know. He will come, prepare well, score runs and try to win the match for Team India.
Virat Kohli captained the Indian team in all three formats, while even under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, he remained the main batsman of the team for a long time. Rohit says that despite changing the responsibility of captaincy, there was no significant change in Kohli’s way of working. He said, ‘Even when he was the captain, his attitude was almost the same. Even when I was the captain, he remained the same. I don’t think there is a need to change anything in this.
Kohli-Rohit’s eyes on 2027 World Cup
Virat Kohli has already confirmed that the 2027 World Cup will be his last mega tournament. Looking at Kohli’s experience, Rohit Sharma believes that he does not need to explain anything about the World Cup. Rohit said, ‘He has been playing for so many years. Be it the World Cup of 2027 or 2023, there is no need to explain anything to them. The World Cup is the World Cup.
The batting styles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are different. His behavior on the field is also not the same. But when it comes to the goal of the Indian team, the thinking of both goes in the same direction. Rohit Sharma said, ‘We both are different persons and present ourselves differently on the field. But our goal and thinking for the team is almost the same. We have to win matches, win the World Cup, win tournaments, win series and do well for the team.
Rohit Sharma also told another aspect of the changing cricket calendar. Earlier, Indian cricketers had to tour continuously. Many times one had to leave for the next series within a gap of five-seven days. It also affected personal life and time spent with family. Now both are getting more time at home than before. Rohit told, ‘Till about a year ago, we used to go on tour every five-seven days. That’s why I couldn’t get much time at home. Now both of us are spending more time at home, which always feels good.”
In this journey of almost two decades, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have seen many eras of Indian cricket. Teams changed, captains changed, roles changed, but the mutual understanding between the two and the desire to win for India remained intact. Rohit’s words amid preparations for the 2027 World Cup bring out a picture of this long relationship, in which respect is more than competition, understanding is more than experience and team victory is seen more than individual achievements.