The 36-year-old recalls their time in their under-19 program, where they shared accommodation, carefully budgeted meals, and meticulously managed travel allowances.
On Saturday, Indian Pacer Ishant Sharma said Virat Kohli was always affectionately called “cheeku” by someone whom they knew since they grew up in Delhi cricket. Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Ishant noted that their bond has lasted since they played together at the under-17 level and has continued to the Indian senior team. He noted that while Kohli was widely recognized as a public role as a superstar, it contrasts sharply with the individuals he knew from childhood.
“I think Virat Kohli (Star) is an outsider. I can’t see him like that because we played in U-17. He’s my childhood friend.” He packed 311 wickets in 105 Tests in 105 Tests in the Gujarat Titans against Delhi.
The 36-year-old recalls their time in their under-19 program, where they shared accommodation, carefully budgeted meals, and meticulously managed travel allowances.
He said: “When we entered U-19, we used to calculate how much money we had. We used to eat food. When we went to U-19S, we used to save the TAS and take it away. So Virat Kohli was different to me. He was different to me.”
Ishant noted that even given Kohli’s rise, their relationship maintained a fraternal connection.
“Imagine that your brother has reached such a high level. Everyone thinks he is great. But, you see, at the end of the day, he is alone. At the end of the day, you’ve spent a lot of time with him. You know he’s in and out.
The poignant incident photos of the poignant incident quickly spread on social media before the recent IPL match. Ishant observed that their interactions were rarely associated with cricket. Instead, they are characterized by humor and lively drama.
He said: “When we meet, we never talk about how we compete in so many test matches. We never talk about it. We talk about funny jokes. It’s happening, it’s happening, it’s happening, it’s taking a look, it’s looking. Fun jokes.
“I have never felt that he is Virat Kohli. For us, he is Cheeku. We have always seen it like this. He has also seen me like this. We are sleeping together and sharing a room. When our India debug came, the name of the team came…he kicked me and said, your name has come. He said, will you really play for India? I said, brother, let me sleep,” said Ishant.
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