Amit Mishra Opens Up About the Transformation of Virat Kohli and His Bond with Rohit Sharma

Veteran spinner Amit Mishra recently shared his thoughts on the contrasting personalities of India’s cricket captains, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In an engaging conversation on YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra’s show 'Unplugged', Mishra highlighted how fame and success have changed Virat Kohli over the years.

Cricketer Virat Kohli waves upon his arrival at New Delhi airport, Thursday, July 4, 2024. Indian cricket team returned home after India's title-winning campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

Mishra started by emphasizing his respect for Kohli as a cricketer, but he noted that their personal relationship has evolved significantly. “I have seen Virat change a lot. We had almost stopped talking. When you get fame and power, some people think that others are reaching out to them only for a purpose,” Mishra revealed. This change has affected their camaraderie, which was once quite strong.

Reflecting on his bond with Rohit Sharma, Mishra had nothing but praise for the Indian skipper. “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 less 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 meet him today, he is the same person. So will you relate to him more or with someone who changes according to situation?” Mishra said.

Mishra reminisced about his early days with Rohit, highlighting their consistent rapport. “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 added.

Drawing a stark contrast, Mishra talked about Kohli’s transformation from his early days. “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 in the Cheeku I knew and Virat Kohli, the captain,” he shared, painting a picture of how success has impacted Kohli’s personality.

Mishra also addressed the infamous clash between then LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli during a match between LSG and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He mentioned how Gambhir took the initiative to reconcile with Kohli later in 2024. “I saw a good thing about Gautam. Virat Kohli didn’t go towards him, Gautam went towards him. He went and asked ‘How are you, how’s your family.’ So it was Gautam who ended the feud and not Kohli. So Gautam showed his big heart at that time. It should have been Kohli who should have gone and ended the feud. He should have gone and said ‘Gauti bhai, let’s end this,’” Mishra remarked.

Amit Mishra's candid insights provide a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics within the Indian cricket team, highlighting the profound impact of success and fame on personal relationships.