Behind the Bollywood Star: Ishant Sharma Reveals Virat Kohli’s Humble Beginnings
A Glimpse into Virat’s Past
India’s cricketing icon, Virat Kohli, is known worldwide for his incredible talent and larger-than-life persona. But away from the limelight, he remains ‘Cheeku’ to those who’ve known him since childhood, including former teammate Ishant Sharma.
Shared Dreams and Tight Budgets
Ishant, who played alongside Kohli from their under-17 days, shared heartwarming glimpses into their shared past. Remembering their time in the under-19 setup, Ishant recalled, “When we were in the U-19s, we used to count how much money we had. We used to eat food. When we used to go to the U-19s, we used to save our TAs and take them with us.” This anecdote paints a picture of two young cricketers chasing their dreams, facing financial constraints, and forging a bond that transcended their sporting ambitions.
A Brotherly Bond
Despite Kohli’s meteoric rise to stardom, Ishant emphasized the enduring brotherly bond they share. He said, “Imagine, your brother has reached such heights. Everyone is thinking that he is great. But you will see that at the end of the day, he is a human being. At the end of the day, you have spent a lot of time with him. You know him in and out. You know where he has come from, how he is and how he is not.” This profound understanding and unwavering support highlight the depth of their connection.
Laughter Over Cricket
Their interactions, Ishant revealed, rarely revolve around cricket. Instead, they find joy in simple pleasures like sharing jokes and lighthearted banter. “When we meet, we never talk about how we played so many Test matches. We never talk about it. We talk about funny jokes. This is happening, that is happening, look at this, look at that. Funny jokes,” he shared.
A Shared Journey from Underdogs to Legends
Both Ishant and Kohli made their international debuts in the late 2000s, marking the beginning of their incredible journeys. Ishant recalled the moment Kohli informed him about his first India call-up, adding a touch of humor to their shared history.
A Lasting Friendship
Ishant’s insights offer a glimpse into the man behind the superstar, reminding us that even the brightest stars have roots that run deep. The unwavering bond between Ishant and Virat, forged through shared dreams, struggles, and triumphs, stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship.
