‘Nothing has changed’: Rohit Sharma opens up about his special bond with Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Photo AFP) NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma has opened up about his long-standing bond with Virat Kohli , describing a relationship based on camaraderie, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the Indian cause, insisting little has changed between them despite their evolving roles.Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s second ODI against West Indies on Wednesday, Rohit Sharma shared his thoughts on his relationship with Kohli and revealed how the two continue to exchange ideas about their bats and the team’s goals.The pair have been teammates for nearly two decades, with Rohit making his India debut in 2007 and Kohli a year later. Their careers have been closely intertwined, from sharing a dressing room to leading India at various stages.“I think we were together. I think it started when we played in Australia or right after Australia when we came to India. That’s when it started and whenever it plays on TV we look at each other and laugh. Which is good, it’s funny. People want masala, so there’s some masala,” Rohit said.

‘There is a strong friendship between the two of us’

Rohit said the two batsmen’s different personalities and methods never affected their common goal.“Both of us almost started playing at the same time. I debuted in 2007, he in 2008. And since then we have been trying to give our best for the team. So yes, there is a strong camaraderie between the two of us,” he said.“We understand what it takes to be at a certain level when you play at that level. Of course the methods are different, 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.“There is no doubt about what he has done for the team, for this team, there is no doubt about what he has done. Everyone can see that,” Rohit said.“And what he will do now, I don’t think anything has changed. He will be the same Kohli as we know him: he wants to come, prepare well, go for runs, win matches for Team India.”Rohit added that the same team approach remained evident no matter who led 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 should change,” he said.

“There was always recognition from both sides”

Rohit also revealed that the two continue to talk about their individual games, with their appreciation for each other going beyond their performances on the field.“Appreciation, recognition, if something good happened, it was always from both sides. I appreciate what he did, you know, especially when he took over as captain of the Test team. It was great what he did with that team,” Rohit said.“At the same time, there’s been a lot of discussion about how we can both improve our own game as individuals. So sometimes when something’s going on with my bat, he’ll come up and bring it up, sometimes I’ll bring it up.”In the upcoming World Cup, Rohit said there is no need to explain his importance to Kohli, who has already played four 50-over World Cups.“No, no. He has been playing for so many years. Whether it is the 27th World Cup or the 23rd World Cup, there is no need to explain it to him. The World Cup is the World Cup,” Rohit said.The two may now spend less time together outside of cricket, but Rohit said their bond remains unchanged.“Now we both spend more time at home, which is always nice,” he said.(Watch Rohit Sharma’s exclusive interview on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network, September 30)(Watch ICC Men’s ODI World Cup Schedule Announcement on JioHotstar and Star Sports, October 1)