Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma: From A Timeless Bond To Possibly Opting For Test Retirement Together

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have shared a journey in their cricket careers that not only shows their individual talent and sportsmanship but also shows the ever-changing dynamics of the game and the persistent brotherhood in Indian cricket. The two legends of modern cricket share a bond that first started with being teammates with mutual respect, to leading the Indian Men's Cricket team at different points in time.  

Both cricketers have led parallel journeys in their careers. As a result, their fans and cricket experts have pitted them against each other. But, Kohli and Sharma have risen above the competition and shared their passion and respect for the game. Now, their professional lives are parallel again, since after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli has also reportedly considered the same. So, now that they stand at the potential end of their Test cricket career, nostalgia for their glory days and match-winning performances has been revoked by the public. 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma share a friendship of fifteen years 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, before making it to the National team, had crossed each other's path in age-group cricket competitions and domestic tournaments. Since then, both of them had admired each other's skills and established mutual respect. Then both the emerging cricket talents made it to the Indian National team. Rohit Sharma joined the team in 2007, and Virat Kohli in 2008. 

Sharing dressing rooms, on-the-field banter, and practising together made Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's bond stronger. Kohli also stated that both of them had learnt a lot from each other and have a mutual trust factor when it comes to the game. The cricketer has expressed his gratefulness for being able to share so many great moments with Rohit Sharma. 

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are from middle-class families with big aspirations 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also share a common middle-class background. Kohli was born and brought up in Delhi, while Sharma resided in Mumbai. Both of them showed promising skills while playing gully cricket, but affording international sports schools or cricket clubs was out of the question for both of them. Virat Kohli managed to get into a U-14 team, while Rohit Sharma secured a sports scholarship.

With big aspirations, both the middle-class boys started playing cricket, and with their hard work, they made their way into the National team. Their similar journey and shared interests also provided a base for their bond. And their immense dedication to the game made this bond stronger. 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took turns captaining the Indian cricket team 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both captained the Indian team at different points in time. They have also been each other's leader and followers. Virat Kohli became the captain of Team India in 2014. Rohit Sharma was a part of the team as well and played under Kohli's leadership. Then he resigned in 2022, and Sharma was made the team captain in the same year. This time around, Virat Kohli played under his leadership. 

Virat Kohli stated in an IPL interview that both of them have an understanding relationship when it comes to the game and the future of Indian cricket. Even if only one of them is the captain, they discuss important on-field decisions and go with their guts. Since they have played side by side for so long, they mostly end up on the same page when it comes to game strategies, Kohli had revealed. 

Virat Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's iconic IPL team rivalry with RCB and MI  

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the star players and faces of their respective IPL teams, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. With the Indian cricket stalwarts in opposite teams, both the teams' fans have started a fun rivalry that continues every season. Kohli and Sharma also enjoy the healthy competition when playing on the field, on opposite ends. However, even as competitors vying for the IPL Trophy, they both exercise respect on the field. 

In the recent IPL 2025 match between RCB and MI on April 7, 2025, fans got to see a high-energy-filled match between the two teams. Packed with twists and turns, RCB won an unexpected victory with just 12 runs. Though Rohit Sharma's performance was not up to the mark, with 17 runs off 25 balls, fans still enjoyed seeing the two leading men of Indian cricket playing against each other. 

Virat Kohli's Test retirement plans after Rohit Sharma announces retirement from the same format

On May 7, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. Regarded as one of the best openers in Test cricket, Sharma has chosen to play only ODIs and T20s. Hence, the cricketer officially said goodbye to the longest format of cricket and wrote on his Instagram: 

"It's been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format."

Following this announcement, Virat Kohli has also expressed a desire to the BCCI to retire from Test cricket as well. There has been a constant back-and-forth between the cricketer and the cricket board. BCCI has reportedly asked Kohli to reconsider his decision to retire, especially considering that many important tours are in the pipeline. There has been no official statement from the cricketer himself, but fans have also requested Kohli to give Test cricket another chance. 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both created unforgettable legacies in modern Indian cricket 

As Rohit Sharma has already announced his official Test retirement, and Virat Kohli's Test cricket future remains uncertain, both the cricketers have led Team India with passion, precision and shared responsibility. Starting from humble beginnings to becoming national icons, Kohli and Sharma have inspired millions of people. They have both created unforgettable legacies, not only with their exceptional batting skills but also with their excellent sportsmanship and respect for each other. With their enduring brotherhood in the Indian cricket team and healthy competition in their IPL teams, they have shown why cricket is called the gentlemen's game. 

What are your thoughts on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's strong bond? 

Also Read: How Rohit Sharma Once Silenced Trolls And Became The Best Test Cricket Opener, 'The Sun Will Rise..'

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