Amit Mishra Discusses How Fame Changed Virat Kohli, Contrasts With Rohit Sharma

Former India spinner Amit Mishra has shared some eye-opening insights about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Mishra, who played under Kohli's captaincy from 2015 to 2017, noticed a significant change in Kohli's behaviour after he became captain. According to Mishra, this shift in nature has resulted in Kohli having fewer friends within the Indian team.

Mishra elaborated that fame and power have altered Kohli's perception of people around him. He believes Kohli thinks others approach him with ulterior motives. However, Mishra insists he was never one of those people.

He mentioned that there is a stark difference between the Kohli he knew as "Cheeku" and the current captain. Although Kohli remains respectful during their interactions, their relationship isn't what it used to be.

"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 as he used to be. So will you relate to him more or with someone who changes with situation?" Mishra said during a chat with YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra.

In contrast, Mishra highlighted his enduring friendship with Rohit Sharma. Despite not being part of the Indian team for years, Mishra maintains a friendly rapport with Rohit. They often joke around whenever they meet during IPL or other events.

"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," Mishra said about Rohit Sharma.

Impact on Team Dynamics

"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 added.

These revelations by Mishra come after both Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from T20I cricket following India's T20 World Cup win. His insights provide a glimpse into the dynamics within the Indian cricket team and how personal relationships can influence team cohesion.

Despite these differences, both Kohli and Rohit have made substantial contributions to Indian cricket. Their leadership styles and personalities have shaped the team's journey in various ways.