News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th July 2024
Indian cricketer Amit Mishra recently shared his insights on his relationships with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two stalwarts of Indian cricket who started their careers within a year of each other and became pivotal figures in the Indian batting lineup for over a decade.
Mishra highlighted the contrasting dynamics in his interactions with these two cricketing superstars, who have both enjoyed significant success, including winning a T20 World Cup and retiring from T20Is on the same day.
Mishra described his relationship with Rohit Sharma as a longstanding and friendly bond that has remained consistent since Sharma’s early cricketing days. He emphasized Sharma’s unchanged nature and their enduring friendship, saying, “When I met him the first day and when I meet him today, he is the same person.” Despite Sharma’s significant achievements, including captaining the Indian team and winning five IPL titles, Mishra noted that they continue to share jokes and maintain a good rapport.
In contrast, Mishra revealed a more distant relationship with Virat Kohli, noting that their communication has dwindled over time. He attributed this change to Kohli’s rise in fame and leadership responsibilities, which may have altered his approach to interpersonal relationships within the Indian team. Mishra mentioned that while Kohli remains respectful in their interactions, their connection isn’t as close as it once was.
Even Yuvraj Singh, a two-time World Cup winner for India, had previously discussed how his friendship with the young Kohli, affectionately known as ‘Cheeku’, couldn’t endure as Kohli rose to stardom. Mishra echoed similar sentiments, observing significant changes in Kohli’s demeanor after assuming the captaincy and achieving success. He further said, “I have seen Virat change a lot. We had almost stopped talking. When you get fame and power, they think people are reaching out to them for a purpose. I was never one of those. I have known Cheeku since the time he was 14, when he used to eat samosas, when he needed pizza every night. But there is a huge difference in the Cheeku I knew and Virat Kohli the captain.”
Mishra’s reflections offer a glimpse into the personal dynamics within the Indian cricket team, highlighting how fame and leadership can impact relationships. While his bond with Rohit Sharma has remained steadfast, his connection with Virat Kohli has evolved, mirroring the latter’s transformation from a young cricketer to an international superstar and captain.
