Rohit Sharma has opened up about his long-standing bond with Virat Kohli. The two have been teammates for nearly two decades. Rohit said they share a close friendship. They may be different people, but their goal is the same: helping India win.
Rohit spoke to JioHotstar before the ODI series against West Indies. He said their friendship began early in their careers. It started around the time they toured Australia. Since then, they have shared many moments. Sometimes old clips of them play on TV, and they look at each other and laugh.
Rohit made his India debut in 2007. Kohli followed in 2008. Since then, both have tried to give their best for the team. Rohit said their methods are different. But that is natural. Every player is different. What matters is that they both want the same result.
He also praised Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket. Rohit said there is no question about what Kohli has done for the team. Everyone can see it. He expects Kohli to keep playing the same way. Kohli will prepare well, score runs, and win games for India. Rohit said Kohli’s approach has not changed based on who captains the team. It was the same when Kohli was captain. It was the same when Rohit was captain.
At the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit said there is no need to discuss it with Kohli. Kohli has played in four World Cups. The next one will be his fifth and his last. Rohit said, ‘A World Cup is a World Cup.’ Everyone in the team understands how important it is. Kohli understands it more than most because he has played the most World Cups in the squad.
Rohit said their conversations during matches are about the game. When they bat together, they talk about whom to attack and when to take a single. Off the field, they talk about how to improve. If Rohit notices something about Kohli’s batting, he mentions it. Kohli does the same for him. That discussion has continued for years.
Rohit also praised Kohli’s time as Test captain. He said they have always appreciated each other. They now meet less often. Their homes are far apart, and with fewer tours, they spend more time at home. Rohit said that is nice.
Kohli has already said the 2027 World Cup will be his last. Rohit has not announced when he will stop playing ODIs. For now, both are focused on the same aim. They want to help India win matches and compete for the World Cup.
Kohli Says Team Wins Matter More Than Personal Records
Virat Kohli has explained what kept him going for so long in ODI cricket. It was not the chase for personal numbers. It was the desire to help India win.
Kohli shared his thoughts after a match-winning knock against West Indies in the first ODI. He scored an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls. His strike rate was 157.95. During the innings, he also went past 15,000 ODI runs.
Speaking to BCCI.tv, Kohli said you cannot play for a long time if you are only looking at numbers. If you chase records, you end up compromising the team’s main goal. He feels lucky to have played for so long. He called it special to reach a big milestone on the way to another win.
In the match at Trivandrum, India chose to bowl first. Kuldeep Yadav was the best bowler. He took 4 for 40 in ten overs. The West Indies scored 295 for 7. John Campbell made 62. Justin Greaves scored 101. Amir Jangoo finished unbeaten on 58.
India then chased the target with ease. Rohit Sharma scored 32. Captain Shubman Gill and Kohli both hit centuries. Their partnership put India in charge. India won by eight wickets. They now lead the three-match series 1-0.
The second ODI will be played on Wednesday, September 30, at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
FAQs
Q. How long have Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli been teammates?
A. They have been teammates for nearly two decades.
Q. When did Rohit and Kohli first become close friends?
A. Their friendship began early in their careers during an Australia tour.
Q. What does Rohit say about Kohli’s contribution to India?
A. Rohit said Kohli has made a major contribution to Indian cricket.
Q. How many World Cups has Kohli played?
A. Kohli has played in four World Cups.
Q. When is the second India vs West Indies ODI?
A. India vs West Indies will be played on September 30 in Guwahati.
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