Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian cricket star, has faced scrutiny over perceived changes in his demeanor. However, his long-time teammate, fast bowler Ishant Sharma, has vehemently refuted such claims, asserting that their bond remains unyielding.
Sharma, who has shared a close friendship with Kohli since their youth, believes that the responsibilities of captaincy may have subtly altered Kohli’s approach. However, he emphasizes that fame and time have not fundamentally transformed the star batter.
“I don’t know who said that he [Kohli] has changed,” Sharma said in an interview with MyKhel. “But with me, the kind of relationship we share, he never changed for me. We’ve been playing together since U-17, so, you know, we are 36 now, I think he’ll be 36 soon. So, we’ve been playing together for, I don’t know, for even, you know, more than 10 years, 15 years. So, he hasn’t changed for me.”
Sharma acknowledges that the demands of captaincy can necessitate a shift in focus. “I think, obviously if you’re a captain, there are certain responsibilities that come. You don’t have to see him as a captain, you have to see him as an individual. So, if he’s a captain, he has to look after 15 players. So, he can’t only focus on one player who’s not playing.”
Despite these adjustments, Sharma maintains that Kohli’s core values remain intact. “When he was captain, whenever I was not playing, I could go to his room and talk about why I’m not playing, even why I’m playing, we strategized. So, I think it’s all about communication. I had a very good communication level with him because I know that he’s my friend at the same time, you know, been playing for so long. So, he hasn’t changed for me.”
Sharma’s unwavering support for Kohli underscores the enduring nature of their friendship. Despite the challenges and scrutiny that come with being a high-profile athlete, their bond has remained steadfast.
