New Delhi, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India captain Rohit Sharma has spoken about his enduring camaraderie with Virat Kohli, saying the two senior batters continue to share a strong mutual understanding and regularly exchange views on their game, despite spending less time together away from cricket.
Rohit and Kohli have been central figures in Indian cricket for nearly two decades. Rohit made his international debut in 2007, followed by Kohli in 2008. Their long association has continued beyond their respective leadership tenures, with both remaining contributors to the Indian team.
Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s second ODI against the West Indies on Wednesday, Rohit recalled how their camaraderie developed and said they had shared a common commitment to giving their best for the team since the early years of their careers.
“I think we were together. This started, I think, when we were playing in Australia, or right after Australia when we came to India. That’s when this started, and whenever this plays on TV, we look at each other and laugh. Which is good, it’s fun. People want masala, so there you go, there is some masala,” Rohit said.
“Both of us, we’ve almost started playing at the same time. I made my debut in 2007, he made his debut in 2008. And since then, we’ve been trying to give our best for the team. So yeah, there’s a strong camaraderie between the two of us, and we understand what it requires to be at a certain level when you’re playing at this level,” he added.
Rohit said that while their approaches to batting may differ, their shared objective of performing for India has remained the same. He also expressed confidence that Kohli would continue to bring the same intensity and commitment to the game.
“Methods are different, obviously, but that’s how it should be, every individual is different. For what he has done for the team, for this team, there is no question, there is no asking what has he done. It’s there for everyone to see it,” Rohit said.
“And what he is going to do from here on now, I don’t think anything has changed. He’ll be the same Kohli that we know of: wants to come, prepare well, go get the runs, win games for Team India. Yeah, that’s what I see with him. 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 needs to change,” he added.
The former India and Mumbai Indians captain also revealed that the mutual respect between them extends to their discussions about batting. Both players, he said, offer each other appreciation and constructive feedback whenever they notice areas where the other could improve.
“Appreciation, appreciation if something good has happened, it has always been there from both sides. I appreciate what he has done, you know, when he took over as a captain with the Test team, especially. It was brilliant, what he did with that team,” Rohit said.
“At the same time, there has been a lot of discussion about how both of us as individuals can improve our own game. So, sometimes if something is happening with my batting, he comes and mentions it, sometimes I mention it. So that conversation always keeps going, so it’s not different,” he added.
Rohit acknowledged that the two now meet less frequently as they spend more time at home and their international schedules have changed. However, he said the reduced interaction has not affected their relationship.
“Although yes, now we meet very rarely because his house is quite far from mine. And every month, or every month and a half, an ODI series happens, so because of that it’s less. Otherwise, until a year ago, every 5-7 days we were on tour, so we didn’t get much time at home. Now both of us are spending more time at home, which is always nice,” Rohit said.
Rohit’s exclusive interview will be available on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network on September 30. The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup schedule announcement is also set to be aired on JioHotstar and Star Sports on October 1.
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