Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are two of India’s most important and seasoned players. The combination has provided several match-winning performances for the team, but there have been many rumours of a fracture and strained ties between them after the conclusion of the 2019 ODI World Cup.
In a recent development, former Indian fielding coach R Sridhar disclosed how relations between Rohit and Kohli began to deteriorate following the World Cup. He also said that Ravi Shastri was instrumental in reuniting both players.
“After the 2019 World Cup, there was a lot of negative coverage regarding what reportedly transpired in the dressing room throughout our campaign and following our semifinal defeat to New Zealand. We were told that there was a Rohit camp and a Virat camp, and that someone had unfollowed someone else on social media—stuff that might be disturbing if left to fester “In his book ‘Coaching Beyond,’ Sridhar writes.
After the World Cup, Team India travelled to the United States for a T20 series against the West Indies, according to Sridhar. The former coach’s first task was to contact both Kohli and Rohit and aid them in resolving the alleged argument, which, according to Sridhar, was nothing to worry about in the first place.
“After the World Cup, we flew to the United States (US) for a T20 series against the West Indies at Lauderhill. One of the first things Ravi [Shastri, the then-head coach] did upon his arrival was summon Virat and Rohit to his room and emphasise to them the need of being on the same page if Indian cricket was to thrive. ‘Whatever occurred on social media is OK, but you two are the most senior players, therefore this must stop,’ Ravi remarked emphatically. ‘I want you to put all of this behind you and come together so that we can move ahead.” Sridhar went on to write.
