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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stand out as two of the premier players of their generation, distinguished not only by their cricketing prowess but also by their contrasting personalities. Kohli epitomizes fiery determination on the field, known for his aggressive stance and readiness to confront opponents. In contrast, Rohit, the current captain of the Indian team, maintains a composed and collected demeanor despite being an animated presence.
While Kohli led the Indian Test team to the pinnacle of world rankings, Rohit recently guided the team to a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean.
Amit Mishra, the Indian legspinner who has shared the dressing room with both Kohli and Rohit, has offered insights into their divergent natures.
“Power, fame Changed Kohli but Rohit is the same”
“I don’t have the same relation with Kohli like what I had earlier,” Mishra told Shubhankar Mishra on the latter’s YouTube Podcast, . “It’s the difference of their natures. Rohit, the first time when I met him and when I meet him now, is the same. He hasn’t changed. Then, who would you relate more to? The one who hasn’t changed or the one who did according to the situation?.
“I haven’t been in the Indian team for five years but he still jokes with me when we come across. We know what kind of rapport we have maintained with each other. There was a time when we didn’t speak to each other but we talked and broke that barrier and now, we have great bonding,” he added.
When asked about the changes in Kohli over the years, Mishra said, “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 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. The way I joke around with Rohit, I can’t do it with Kohli,” he added.
‘Rohit hasn’t changed, that’s why he’s so successful’
Mishra further noted how Rohit’s demeanor makes him immensely popular with everyone.
“Rohit has not changed at all. And that’s why he is so successful. He is cheerful and mingles with everyone. He never differentiates between seniors and juniors. Even if he scolds the new boys, he also takes them along to grab a meal. That’s how an elder brother behaves,” Mishra added.
