'Virat Kohli Never Changed,' Ishant Sharma Contradicts Amit Mishra On Attitude Debate
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Ishant Sharma opens up on friendship with old pal Virat Kohli (@JohnyBravo183/X.com)
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli faced criticism recently, with some former players suggesting that he has changed over time, possibly due to his fame. However, veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who has shared a close friendship with Kohli since their youth, firmly dismissed these claims.
Virat Kohli has played international cricket for over 15 years and has achieved enormous success as a batter and a leader. After relinquishing captaincy in 2022, Kohli continues to be the backbone of the Indian batting lineup.
However, with success, Kohli made many enemies along the way, largely due to his straightforward behaviour. Recently, ex-cricketer Amit Mishra stirred up a controversy when he suggested Kohli being arrogant and disrespectful towards seniors.
Ishant Sharma comes to old pal Virat Kohli's rescue
Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma, a senior Indian pacer who shared the dressing room with Virat Kohli since the U-19 days, dismissed the negative narrative surrounding Kohli's attitude. In an interview with MyKhel, Ishant stressed that Virat Kohli remains the same person he has known for years despite the added responsibilities of captaincy.
"I don't know whoever said that he [Kohli] has changed. 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. So, we've been playing together for, you know, more than 10 years, 15 years. So, he hasn't changed for me. I can pick up my phone, call him anytime, he calls me anytime," Ishant said.
Ishant acknowledged that the captain's role comes with added responsibilities, which might create the perception that Kohli has distanced himself from his teammates.
"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. So, I think maybe that's why people have mistaken him that he has changed."
However, despite the spotlight and responsibilities, Kohli's core nature remained unchanged in their friendship, said Ishant.
Piyush Chawla countered Amit Mishra's attack on Virat Kohli
After Amit Mishra's distasteful remarks on Virat Kohli went viral, former cricketer Piyush Chawla offered a counter perspective.
He revealed how Kohli hasn't changed over the years and that the duo still share a great camaraderie. Chawla also recalled an incident from the Asia Cup in which Virat Kohli invited him for dinner.
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