My relationship with Virat Kohli is the same as it was 10-15 years back: Piyush Chawla
Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has stated that his relationship and bonding with Virat Kohli is the same as it was 10-15 years back. He added that if he wants to have a discussion with the former India captain, he can do so in the same manner he did many years ago.
Chawla made the statement while reacting to another Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra's remark that Kohli has changed as a person with fame and power. During his appearance on Subhankar Mishra's podcast, Mishra had commented that while India's Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma has remained the same as a human, the same cannot be said about Kohli.
Chawla also featured on the same podcast recently. Asked for his thoughts on Mishra's remarks, the 35-year-old replied that everyone that their own personal equations. Elaborating on his relationship with Kohli, he stated:
"We played junior cricket together. Even today, me and Kohli meet in the same that we did before. If I have to chat about something with Virat, things are the same as it was before. Everyone has their own perception. My relationship with Virat is the same as it was 10-15 years back."
Both Kohli and Chawla were part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ODI World Cup at home. The latter was also part of the Men in Blue's 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad.
"Both have their own class" - Chawla on bowling to Kohli and Rohit
Chawla, who last represented India in international cricket in 2012, he has had numerous battles with Rohit and Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sharing his thoughts on the challenge of bowling to the duo, the seasoned leggie said that both are class players who have their own strengths.
"I have got both of them out a few times and have been battered by them as well. There is no comparison. Both have their own class. Virat will take singles on good balls and produce the big hits in between. Rohit also hits the bad balls, but also looks to target the good balls in between and that gives (bowlers) a chance. Both have their own class and their own way of batting," Chawla commented.
The experienced leg-spinner is the second-leading wicket-taker in the IPL. In 192 matches, he has claimed 192 wickets at an average of 26.60 and an economy rate of 7.96, with a best of 4-17.