"Don’t know who these experts are and why they’re called experts" - When Rohit Sharma unequivocally backed Virat Kohli during latter's lean run
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been two of India's batting stalwarts over the last couple of decades. So-called fans on social media have often portrayed a picture of a rift between the two superstars, but both Rohit and Kohli have been unequivocal in their backing of each other through thick and thin.
While Kohli has an exemplary record in international cricket, there was a phase between November 2019 and September 2022 when he struggled for runs. The right-handed batter did not register a three-figure score in international cricket for over 1000 days.
As the lean streak got longer, critics started questioning Kohli's place in the team. However, Rohit was vehement in his backing of his long-time teammate. Speaking to reporters during the T20I series in England in July 2022, the ace batter lashed out at critics and said:
“It’s not difficult at all for us because we don’t listen to outside noise. Also, I don’t know who these experts are and why they’re called experts. I don’t get that. They are seeing from outside, they don’t know what’s happening inside the team. We have a thought process, we make the team, we debate and discuss it and think a lot about it."
“People on the outside don’t know about it. So it’s more important about what’s happening within our team, that’s important for me. Also, if you are talking about form, it goes up and down for everyone. The quality of the player doesn’t go bad. We should always keep in mind when such comments are passed around," the then Indian T20I skipper added.
Kohli did not feature in the first T20I during the 2022 tour of England. He played in the next two matches but was dismissed for 1 and 11, respectively.
How Virat Kohli overcame his wretched batting form
Amid his extended poor run with the willow, Kohli decided to take a short break from the game and returned as a rejuvenated player and individual. He ended his century drought in international cricket with a superb 122* off 61 balls against Afghanistan in Dubai in September 2022 in the Asia Cup. The former India captain hasn't looked back since.
The 35-year-old was the leading run-getter in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. He hammered 296 runs in six innings at an average of 98.67 and a strike rate of 136.41. Kohli also had an exceptional 2023 ODI World Cup, amassing 765 runs in 11 innings. The right-handed batter was the Player of the Match for his 76 off 59 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final as India beat South Africa by seven runs.