Rohit Sharma Opens Up on Virat Kohli Bond, Says ‘Nothing Has Changed’

NEW DELHI, September 30, 2026 — Rohit Sharma has opened up about his long-standing relationship with Virat Kohli, saying the two former India captains continue to share a strong camaraderie despite spending less time together away from international cricket.

Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati, Rohit said his relationship with Kohli developed during or shortly after India’s tour of Australia and has remained strong through their changing roles in the national team.

Key points

• Rohit Sharma said he and Virat Kohli still share a “strong camaraderie” after nearly two decades as India teammates.
• The pair have different approaches to batting but continue to understand what is required at the highest level.
• Rohit said he and Kohli sometimes exchange observations about each other’s batting.
• The two now meet less frequently away from cricket, partly because they live some distance apart and India’s ODI schedule gives them limited time together.

Rohit and Kohli began their international careers within a year of each other, with Rohit making his India debut in 2007 and Kohli following in 2008. Their careers have since included periods as teammates, captains and senior figures in India’s batting lineup.

Rohit also addressed the popular “Ro-Ko” label attached to the pair. He said they laugh when the storyline appears on television, adding that the nickname has become part of the way their partnership is presented to cricket audiences.

The comments come as both veterans continue their ODI careers after retiring from Test cricket and T20 internationals. Their current focus is the 50-over format, with India using the West Indies series as part of its preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The ICC has described the series as part of India’s broader build-up to next year’s tournament.

The timing has added interest because Kohli produced a major performance in the first ODI against West Indies on September 27, scoring an unbeaten 139 from 88 balls as India chased down 296 with more than eight overs remaining. The ICC recorded India’s eight-wicket victory, while the BCCI highlighted Kohli’s 55th ODI century.

Rohit, meanwhile, remains fourth in the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings as of September 22, with Kohli third.

Rather than pointing to a new development between the two players, Rohit’s latest comments provide a clearer picture of how their relationship has evolved: less time together away from cricket, but continued mutual respect and communication when they share the India dressing room.