Amit Mishra revealed some interesting things about legends of Indian cricket Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Mishra has played with both Rohit and Virat for Team India and has played under Kohli’s captaincy as well.
Mishra talked about the changes in the natures of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He said while Rohit Sharma is still the same as he was when they met for the first time, Virat Kohli has changed a lot with the power and fame he earned.
Kohli and Rohit recently retired from T20Is after helping India win the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. The two had started their career almost simultaneously and have been pillars of Indian batting after Tendulkar, Dravid, and Sehwag called time on their careers.
Shubhankar Mishra on his show when asked if players have the same level of respect as they do for Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni. "Not everyone to be very honest," Mishra said on Shubhankar’s podcast.
Speaking about his relationship with Rohit, Mishra stated that he and the current India skipper have a very cheerful and cordial bond that dates back to the latter's early days in cricket.
"I won't lie. As a cricketer, I respect him a lot, but I don't share the same equation with him as I used to. Why does Virat have fewer friends? His and Rohit's natures are different. I'll tell you the best thing about Rohit. When I met him the first day and when I met him today, he is the same person. So will you relate to him more or with someone who changes according to situation?” Mishra added.
"I haven't been part of the Indian team in years. Still, when I meet Rohit during the IPL or any other event, he is always joking with me. I don't need to think what he will think. We joke with each other. He is at the top but we still have maintained that rapport. He is the captain, won the World Cup and five IPL titles,” he added about Rohit.
However, he does not anticipate the same from Kohli. Mishra further maintained that Kohli's change in personality has left him with fewer friends in the Indian team.
Mishra, who made his debut in 2008, played 22 Tests for India, nine of which were under Kohli, including the final game of his career. During this time, he grabbed 33 wickets, but the leg-spinner regretted that his relationship with Kohli deteriorated with time, to the point where they practically stopped speaking.
Mishra revealed the 'huge difference' in Kohli's attitude when he became the captain and the success that followed.
"I have seen Virat change a lot. We had almost stopped talking. When you get fame and power, they think people are reaching out to them for a purpose. I was never one of those. I have known Cheeku since the time he was 14 when he used to eat Samosas when he needed Pizza every night. But there is a huge difference between the Cheeku I knew and Virat Kohli the captain. Whenever he meets me, he is very respectful, but it's obviously not the same anymore," added Mishra.
Here is the video:
