R Sridhar wrote that Ravi Shastri was the key to resolving the rift between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as the rivalry between the two players grew due to social media.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are two of India’s most influential and senior players. The duo has given many match-winning performances for the team, but there have been various rumours of a rift and strained relations between them since the conclusion of the 2019 ODI World Cup.
In a recent development, former Indian fielding coach R Sridhar revealed how things between Rohit and Kohli began to deteriorate after the World Cup. He also stated that Ravi Shastri was instrumental in reuniting both players.
“Following the 2019 World Cup, there was a lot of negative press about what allegedly happened in the dressing room during our campaign and following our semifinal loss to New Zealand. We were told that there was a Rohit camp and a Virat camp, and that someone had unfollowed someone else on social media—stuff that could be unsettling if left to fester “In his book ‘Coaching Beyond,’ Sridhar wrote.
‘Leave all of this behind,’ says R Sridhar, revealing Ravi Shatri’s message to Rohit and Kohli.
After the World Cup, Team India travelled to the United States for a T20 series against the West Indies, according to Sridhar. The former coach’s first task was to contact both Kohli and Rohit and assist them in resolving the reported squabble, which, according to Sridhar, was nothing to worry about in the first place.
“After the World Cup, we flew to the United States (US) for a T20 series against the West Indies in Lauderhill. One of the first things Ravi [Shastri, the then-head coach] did upon his arrival was summon Virat and Rohit to his room and impress upon them the importance of being on the same page if Indian cricket was to thrive. ‘Whatever happened on social media is fine, but you two are the most senior cricketers, so this must stop,’ Ravi said emphatically. ‘I want you to put all of this behind you and come together so that we can move forward.” Sridhar went on to write.
