In the often cutthroat world of professional cricket, where rivalries and competition can sometimes overshadow personal bonds, the relationship between Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli stands out as a testament to enduring friendship. Ishant Sharma, in a candid conversation, opened up about his connection with Kohli, offering fans a glimpse into the personal dynamics that thrive beyond the cricket pitch.
The Genesis of Friendship
The journey of Ishant and Kohli began in the Indian cricket team’s dressing room, where both were young, eager, and looking to make their mark in international cricket. Ishant, known for his towering height and swing bowling, and Kohli, with his aggressive batting and fiery spirit, quickly found common ground.
Beyond the Boundary Ropes
While cricket brought them together, it was their shared experiences off the field that deepened their bond. “Virat is not just a teammate; he’s a friend you can call anytime,” Ishant shares with a warmth that resonates through his words. This accessibility speaks volumes about Kohli’s character, often portrayed as intense and focused, but in reality, he’s someone who values personal relationships deeply.
“I don’t know whoever said that he [Virat 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, 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. I can pick up my phone, call him anytime, he calls me anytime.”
“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,” Ishant Sharma Said.
“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.” Ishant concluded.
The Human Side of Virat Kohli
Ishant’s portrayal of Kohli challenges the public’s perception, often shaped by media narratives. This insight into Kohli’s life reveals a man who, despite his global fame, remains grounded, accessible, and genuinely caring.
Navigating Success and Challenges Together
Both cricketers have seen their careers soar with highs of victories and lows of defeats. Through these, their friendship has been a constant. This mutual support system has been crucial, especially in the high-pressure environment of international cricket.
A Lesson in Loyalty
In an era where player transfers and team changes are common, the loyalty between Ishant and Kohli is refreshing, highlighting a loyalty that transcends cricketing alliances. This loyalty is not just about standing by each other in professional scenarios but also in personal life, where trust and understanding are paramount.
Ishant Sharma’s reflections on his relationship with Virat Kohli provide a rare, personal look into the life of one of cricket’s modern icons. It’s a reminder that behind every sports star, there’s a human being with relationships that define them as much as their achievements on the field. “Call him anytime,” Ishant says, not just as a statement of accessibility but as a testament to a friendship that has stood the test of time, competition, and the ever-changing world of cricket.
