India's veteran spinner Amit Mishra has made intriguing observations about Virat Kohli's transformation after assuming the captaincy. Mishra, who played under Kohli's leadership between 2015 and 2017, has contrasted Kohli's demeanor with that of Rohit Sharma. While pointing out that Kohli's personality evolved with his role, Mishra emphasized Rohit's consistency in character throughout his career. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma emerged as Indian cricket stalwarts almost simultaneously, dominating the batting scene for over a decade. Their careers have been intertwined, culminating in a joint T20I retirement. Despite their on-field similarities, Mishra suggests a stark difference in their off-field personalities, hinting at a closer relationship with Rohit Sharma.
Amit Mishra reveals his equations with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Amit Mishra has described a stark contrast in his relationships with former and current Indian captains, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Mishra shares a long-standing, close friendship with Rohit Sharma, dating back to the latter's early days in cricket. However, Mishra's bond with Kohli has evolved differently. He attributes this to a change in Kohli's demeanor over time, suggesting that the former captain's transformation has led to a smaller circle of close friends within the Indian team.
Mishra, when asked by YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra on his show if players hold the same level of respect for current cricketers as they do for legends like Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni, shared his thoughts and said:
"Not everyone to be very honest. 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 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?”
"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.
Former Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has revealed a significant deterioration in his relationship with Virat Kohli. Despite playing nine Test matches under Kohli's captaincy, Mishra admitted that their bond weakened over time, culminating in a near-complete breakdown in communication. Mishra's experience echoes similar sentiments expressed by Yuvraj Singh about Kohli's transformation from a close friend to a distant star. Mishra attributes this change to a marked shift in Kohli's demeanor following his ascent to captaincy and subsequent successes.
"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 in 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," Mishra concluded.
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