Virat Kohli has become ARROGANT? Piyush Chawla reacts to Amit Mishra's claims

Former Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla’s reaction to Amit Mishra's comments on Virat Kohli has added fuel to an already blazing controversy. Mishra, who once shared a close bond with Kohli, recently opened up about how fame and power have dramatically changed their relationship.

The former Indian spinner had openly claimed that Kohli has changed significantly from the days when he was just "Cheeku" and craved samosas and pizzas, all because of the fame and power.

Piyush Chawla defends Virat Kohli against Amit Mishra’s claims of change due to fame and power

According to Mishra, the camaraderie they once shared is not the same anymore, and now there are very few talks, and even he can’t crake jokes with Virat that he can do with Rohit Sharma.

Speaking on YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Mishra claimed that he and Virat Kohli had almost stopped talking, and the reason behind this is their fame and power. The former Indian spinner further noted that there is a huge difference between the Cheeku he knew and Virat Kohli, the captain.

Reacting to Mishra's controversial podcast, Chawla painted a very different picture, offering a starkly different perspective on his relationship with Virat Kohli. Chawla, who has known Kohli since their early days in junior cricket, described his interactions with the former Indian captain as consistently positive and filled with mutual respect and fun.

Everyone has their way of thinking: Chawla

Piyush Chawla said on the 2 Sloggers Podcast’ on YouTube: “I've learned a lot from him. He's a very senior. And the way he's played cricket, the way he's bowled throughout the year, he's done a great job. And I also saw that podcast; it was great. Virat, whatever I have played with him, whenever I have met him, it has been a very good experience for me.

We played junior cricket together. And after that, we played in the IPL. When we played together for India, things were very good with me. Everyone has their own way of thinking. So, whatever interaction we've had, we still get along very well.”

Piyush Chawla recalls his Asia Cup 2023 meeting with Virat Kohli

Chawla said that he has had really great experience with the legendary batter, stressing Kohli has not changed despite his towering stature in the cricket world. He also recalled his recent encounter with Kohli during the Asia Cup 2023, where they joked about ordering food, a reminder of the old days.

He signed off by saying, “In fact, when I was doing commentary during the Asia Cup 2023 and I was standing on the boundary, and Virat was fielding there, he came to me and said, ‘PC, let's order something good.' Because we were both fond of eating. So, even today, there are similar discussions that used to happen 10-15 years ago. It has been a very good experience with me.”

Notably, on the same podcast, Mishra claimed that it was Gautam Gambhir who ended the feud with Kohli by walking up to him and ending the spat of the previous season during the IPL 2024. However, he felt it should’ve been done by Kohli, but Gambhir, despite being senior, had to take the step.