NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma has opened up on his long-standing bond with Virat Kohli, describing a relationship built on camaraderie, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the Indian cause, while insisting that little has changed between the two despite their evolving roles.Rohit Sharma, speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s second ODI against West Indies on Wednesday, shared his thoughts on his relationship with Kohli and revealed how the two continue to exchange ideas about their batting and the team’s goals.The pair have been teammates for almost two decades, with Rohit making his India debut in 2007 and Kohli following a year later. From sharing the dressing room to leading India at different stages, their careers have been closely intertwined.“I think we were together. This started, I think, when we were playing in Australia, or right after Australia when we came to India. That’s when this started, and 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,” Rohit said.
‘There’s a strong camaraderie between the two of us’
Rohit said the different personalities and methods of the two batters have never affected their shared objective.“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. So yeah, there’s a strong camaraderie between the two of us,” he said.“We understand what it requires to be at a certain level when you’re playing at this level. Methods are different, obviously, but that’s how it should be, every individual is different.”Rohit was also emphatic about Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket and what he expects from his former captain going forward.“For what he has done for the team, for this team, there is no question, there is no asking what has he done. It’s there for everyone to see it,” Rohit said.“And what he is going to do from here on now, I don’t think anything has changed. He’ll be the same Kohli that we know of: wants to come, prepare well, go get the runs, win games for Team India.”Rohit added that the same team-first approach remained evident irrespective of who was leading India.“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,” he said.
‘Appreciation has always been there from both sides’
Rohit also revealed that the two continue to have conversations about their individual games, with their mutual appreciation extending beyond their performances on the field.“Appreciation, appreciation if something good has happened, it has always been there from both sides. I appreciate what he has done, you know, when he took over as a captain with the Test team, especially. It was brilliant, what he did with that team,” Rohit said.“At the same time, there has been a lot of discussion about how both of us as individuals can improve our own game. So, sometimes if something is happening with my batting, he comes and mentions it, sometimes I mention it.”On the upcoming World Cup, Rohit said there was no need for him to explain its importance to Kohli, who has already played four 50-over World Cups.“No, no. He has been playing for so many years. Whether it’s the ’27 World Cup or the ’23 World Cup, there’s no need to explain it to him. World Cup is World Cup,” Rohit said.The two may now spend less time together away from cricket, but Rohit said their connection remains unchanged.“Now both of us are spending more time at home, which is always nice,” he said.(Watch Rohit Sharma’s exclusive interview on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network on 30th September.)
