‘For me, he’s always Chiku’: Ishant Sharma remembers unseen side of Virat Kohli from U-17 days

Virat Kohli may be celebrated as one of the greatest cricketers to have ever graced the game, but for those who’ve known him before the fame, he’s much more than a superstar. One such person is former Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, who recently opened up about his long-standing bond with Kohli, offering fans a rare glimpse into the personal side of the cricketing icon.

From Under-17 cricket to international glory, Ishant and Kohli’s journey has been one of shared struggles, laughter, and brotherhood — a story that goes far beyond the limelight.

A Bond Beyond Cricket

Having grown up in Delhi and played cricket together from the Under-17 level, Ishant said that Kohli’s superstar image never affected their bond. “Virat Kohli (the star) is for outside people. I can't see him like that because we played in the U-17s. He is a childhood friend to me,” said Ishant, who took 311 wickets in 105 Tests for India.

Recalling their early days, Ishant revealed how the two would pool their limited resources. “When we were in the U-19s, we used to count how much money we had. We would save our TAs (Travel Allowances) and eat together. Virat Kohli is different for everyone. For me, he’s just Chiku.”

Roommates, Teammates, Brothers

The two shared rooms, jokes, and even life-changing moments. Ishant fondly recalled the day Kohli got his first India call-up:

“The team list had come out, and he kicked me and said, ‘Your name has come!’ I was half asleep. He asked, ‘Will you really play for India?’ I said, ‘Brother, let me sleep.’”

Their camaraderie remained unshaken even as Kohli rose to cricketing heights, eventually leading India and becoming one of the most prolific batsmen of all time.

Farewell to a Legend

Following Kohli’s recent retirement from Test cricket, Ishant penned a heartfelt message:

“Your journey will inspire countless players on how to play this game the right way — with heart, hunger, and honour. Test cricket won’t be the same without you, Virat. Grateful to have shared so many moments together.”

Their story is a reminder that behind every legend lies a journey filled with friendships, struggles, and a very human side the world rarely sees.