‘Candid’ Ishant Sharma Debunks All Theories of Virat Kohli Being Arrogant

Ishant Sharma recalled his friendship with Virat Kohli, affectionately calling him by his childhood nickname 'Cheeku' and denying any arrogance.

‘Candid’ Ishant Sharma Debunks All Theories of Virat Kohli Being Arrogant

Ishant Sharma fondly recalled his friendship with Virat Kohli, calling him 'Cheeku'. (via India Today)

Veteran Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma reminisced about his long-standing camaraderie with Virat Kohli, refuting claims of the cricketing icon being arrogant. Sharma fondly stated that he would always see Kohli as ‘Cheeku’, the nickname given to him during his initial cricket career.

Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma’s journey of playing together is a story that spans their entire careers, from their early days in the Delhi cricket team to representing India at the highest level. The two players first became friends during their under-17 and under-19 days in Delhi. Ishant Sharma was the first to play for India, in a Test match in 2007, followed by Kohli, who made his ODI debut in 2008.

Interestingly, Ishant Sharma, of the same age as Kohli, spent a significant portion of his Test career playing under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. He was an integral part of the formidable fast-bowling unit that Kohli built under his leadership, and together they achieved notable success in Test cricket, including a historic Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

While the two players had vastly distinguishable careers with the Indian team, with Ishant Sharma’s journey being plagued by injuries, the two still share a great bond, and were seen embracing each other in a 2025 IPL encounter, between GT and RCB. Ishant Sharma, with 434 Test wickets for India, last played a Test match in November 2021 under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

A lot has happened since then, with Sharma failing to make a comeback into the Indian team, and Kohli relinquishing his captaincy in 2022. Speaking after Kohli’s retirement, Ishant Sharma spoke about his relationship with the former Indian captain. He pointed out that the public image of Kohli as a superstar with an arrogant demeanor differs greatly from the friend he has known since their early playing days.

Reminiscing about their under-19 days, Sharma shared stories of shared rooms, budget-friendly meals, and counting their allowance money together, which cemented his bond with Kohli. Despite Kohli’s rise to top, Ishant Sharma confidently exclaimed that their friendship has remained unchanged. He said on the Star Sports Press Room:

He [Virat Kohli] is a childhood friend to me. When we were in the U-19s, we used to count how much money we had, we used to eat food... So, he is different for everyone. He is different for me.

The fast bowler affectionately stated that he sees Kohli as his own brother and expressed his joy at his achievements. He emphasized that Kohli is a genuinely nice person, and humorously recounted a time when they shared a room playing for Delhi. Ishant Sharma revealed that Kohli excitedly woke him up by kicking him to share the news of his selection for India’s Test squad, back in 2007. He added:

I have never felt that he is Virat Kohli. For us, he is Cheeku. When our India debut came, the name of the team came... he kicked me and said, your name has come.

Ishant Sharma also lauded Virat Kohli’s on-field aggression, considering it essential for the demanding nature of five-day Test matches. However, experts have not always appreciated this approach and have suggested that Kohli should direct it more constructively.

Ishant Sharma reveals how Ashish Nehra transformed Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj this season

Gujarat Titans’ pacer Ishant Sharma revealed that Ashish Nehra suggested several changes that made Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj effective this season. The duo have seen a major turnaround in form in the IPL this season, scalping 35 wickets in 11 matches so far. 

Ishant Sharma on GT head coach Ashish Nehra
Ishant Sharma praised GT head coach Ashish Nehra for making Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj more effective. (via Times Now)

Ishant Sharma disclosed that GT head coach Ashish Nehra encouraged Siraj to bowl outswingers, a delivery the 31-year-old wasn’t initially comfortable with. Additionally, he mentioned that Nehra advised Krishna to adjust his bowling length slightly fuller than his usual six meters, varying it based on the pitch conditions. This adjustment has proven successful, as Krishna currently holds the Purple Cap.

Gujarat Titans have also now qualified for the IPL Playoffs after an impressive 10-wicket victory over the Delhi Capitals. Led by Sai Sudharsan’s stunning century, the Titans made light work of a 200-run chase.