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Former India captain Rohit Sharma has spoken about his long-standing relationship with Virat Kohli, saying the two have shared a strong bond since the early part of their international careers.
Rohit said their friendship and cricketing understanding began during India’s Australia tour and has continued to grow over the years. He also revealed that the two often discuss each other’s batting and look for ways to improve their game.
‘People Want Masala, So There You Go’
Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s second ODI against the West Indies, Rohit recalled how his equation with Kohli started.
“I think we were together. This started, I think, when we were playing in Australia, or right after Australia when we came to India,” Rohit said.
He added that the two sometimes laugh when their bond is discussed on television.
“Whenever this plays on TV, we look at each other and laugh. Which is good; it’s fun. People want masala, so there you go, there is some masala,” he said.
Rohit made his international debut in 2007, while Kohli entered international cricket a year later in 2008. The two have since spent almost two decades playing alongside each other for India.
‘There’s A Strong Camaraderie’
Rohit said their similar journey in international cricket has helped them understand each other’s challenges.
“Both of us, we’ve almost started playing at the same time. I made my debut in 2007, he made his debut in 2008. And since then, we’ve been trying to give our best for the team,” he said.
“So yeah, there’s a strong camaraderie between the two of us, and we understand what it requires to be at a certain level when you’re playing at this level,” Rohit added.
Rohit Says Kohli Has Not Changed
The former captain also praised Kohli’s approach to cricket, saying the batter’s mindset has remained largely the same despite the changes in their roles.
According to Rohit, Kohli has always focused on preparing properly, scoring runs and helping India win matches.
“When he was captain, pretty much the same. When I was captain, pretty much the same. And I don’t see any reason why anything needs to change,” Rohit said.
He also backed Kohli to continue playing with the same intensity in the coming years.
“He’ll be the same Kohli that we know of: wants to come, prepare well, go get the runs, win games for Team India,” he added.
They Still Discuss Their Batting
Rohit revealed that the two have also helped each other improve as batters.
He said they regularly appreciate each other’s performances and are comfortable pointing out areas where the other can improve.
“At the same time, there has been a lot of discussion about how both of us as individuals can improve our own game,” Rohit said.
“So, sometimes if something is happening with my batting, he comes and mentions it, sometimes I mention it,” he added.
Rohit also praised Kohli’s contribution after taking over as India’s Test captain, particularly the way he helped build a strong Test team.
Why They Meet Less Often Now
The two former India captains have not been meeting as frequently as they did earlier. Rohit explained that both now spend more time at home, while their homes are also located quite far from each other.
“Although yes, now we meet very rarely because his house is quite far from mine,” Rohit said.
He recalled that things were different when they were constantly travelling with the Indian team.
“Until a year ago, every 5-7 days we were on tour, so we didn’t get much time at home. Now both of us are spending more time at home, which is always nice,” Rohit added.
Kohli Stars In India’s West Indies Win
Rohit’s comments came shortly after Kohli produced a sensational performance in the first ODI against the West Indies.
Chasing 296, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes. His knock helped India chase down the target comfortably and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The innings also saw Kohli cross 15,000 ODI runs and register his 86th international century. His nine sixes were also his most in a single ODI innings.
India will face the West Indies in the second ODI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on September 30.