5 Times Virat Kohli Admired Rohit Sharma’s Skills and Leadership Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, and their relationship has always been a topic of great interest among fans. While their contrasting styles and approaches make them unique, there have been numerous moments where Kohli has openly praised Rohit’s exceptional skills and leadership.
Here are 5 Times Virat Kohli Admired Rohit Sharma’s Skills and Leadership
1. “It’s never too difficult when you have Rohit at the other end” – Virat on chasing big targets with Rohit
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have led Team India in multiple successful run-chases, especially in ODIs. In 2018, both scored centuries while chasing a target of 323 runs set by the West Indies. After the match, Virat talked about how much he enjoys batting alongside Rohit.
“It’s never too difficult when you have Rohit at the other end. It’s our fifth or sixth double-century partnership, and it’s a pleasure to bat with him. When we’re in the middle like that, it’s a lot of fun, and we know it helps the team,” Virat said after the game.
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2. “That shut my mouth forever” – Virat recalls seeing Rohit bat for the first time
In an interview on “Breakfast With Champions,” Virat remembered his early days as a young cricketer. Although he was a promising player, most fans saw Rohit as the next big thing in Indian cricket. Virat described his first experience watching Rohit bat:
“I was very curious because everyone was talking about this player named Rohit Sharma. I was also a young player, but no one was talking about me. Then, during the 2007 T20 World Cup, I watched him bat, and I just sank into the sofa. That shut my mouth forever.“
3. Virat’s praise for Rohit after his centuries against South Africa
Rohit wasn’t a regular in India’s Test team until 2019, when then-captain Virat promoted him to open the innings in a series against South Africa. Rohit rose to the challenge, scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test and leading India to a big 203-run victory. Virat expressed his joy after Rohit’s impressive performance:
“Rohit was outstanding.“
4. Virat praises Rohit’s leadership skills
Earlier this year, during a promotional event, Virat spoke about his relationship with Rohit, highlighting their 15-year journey together. He mentioned how they never imagined making it this far and praised Rohit’s growth:
“I’ve witnessed Rohit Sharma’s progress as a player and everything he’s accomplished in his career. Now he’s leading the Indian team, and it’s been amazing.“
5. Kohli thanked Rohit for giving him the needed space
Virat went through a tough period during 2021/22, struggling to score runs and going nearly three years without a century. He finally broke this streak against Afghanistan during the 2022 Asia Cup. After returning from a break and scoring his century, Virat thanked Rohit, saying in an interview on BCCI’s website:
“The space that you gave me made me feel relaxed. So when I came back after the break, I was excited about what I could contribute to the team.“
Both Virat and Rohit announced their decision to end their T20I careers after the 2024 T20 World Cup. They are currently playing for India in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh at Green Park.
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