New Delhi: Indian Pacer Ishant Sharma said on Saturday that Virat Kohli was always “cheeku” to those who grew up with him, reflecting on their friendship that dates back to their early days in cricket in Delhi.
Ishant, who fought side by side with Kohli from under 17 to the senior team in India, said the public image of the former captain’s superstar is in stark contrast to those he has known since childhood.
“I think Virat Kohli (star) is for the outside world. I can’t see him like that because we play in the U-17 game. He’s my childhood friend.” Ishant said on Gujarat Titans eve of Gujarat Titans Ever eve Room with Delhi Captals, and 434 wickets from 105 Tests, 80 ODIS and 14 T20IS.
The 36-year-old recalls their days in the under-19 setting where they share rooms, budget meals and save 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.”
Despite Kohli’s stars, their bonds are still brotherly, Ishant said.
“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.
Before the recent IPL match, the moment the two saw hugging on the court and shared widely online.
Ishant said their interactions rarely involve cricket conversations, but it’s all about humor and jokes.
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 never thought he was Virat Kohli. To us, he was cheeku. We’ve always seen people like this. He’s also seen me like me. We’re sleeping together and sharing a room.”
Both players made their debut in the late 2000s, with Sharma breaking into the national team before Kohli.
He recalls the moment when Kohli told him his first Indian call.
“When our India debuted, the team’s name came… He kicked me and said, your name came. He said, will you really play for India? I said, brother, let me sleep,” Ishant said.
