Piyush Chawla backs Kohli, denies fame and power have changed him

One of India's most iconic sportspersons, Virat Kohli, often finds himself in the spotlight—whether on the field or off it. A few weeks ago, veteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra sparked a social media debate, claiming that the power and fame Virat Kohli has accumulated over the years have changed his personality. Mishra's comments received a fair share of criticism, with fans and experts alike questioning the assertion. Now, another veteran spinner, Piyush Chawla, has weighed in on the matter, offering a different perspective on the Indian batting maestro.

"Virat Kohli is still the same as me as he was 10-15 years before" – Piyush Chawla's strong response

Speaking on the topic, Mumbai Indians' spinner Piyush Chawla rubbished the talks about Kohli's transformation due to fame. Chawla, who has shared a long history with Kohli, stated that Virat has remained the same person for him over the past 10-15 years, despite the monumental rise in his fame and influence. 

"Virat Kohli is still the same as me as he was 10-15 years before. My experience with him is always good, and I share great camaraderie".

"During Asia Cup, he was fielding at the boundary ropes, while I was there for a commentary stint. So, he came to me and said 'PC, Let's order something to eat. 'So, he has the same conversations with us that we used to have 10-15 years ago," said Chawla.

According to Chawla, Kohli's success hasn't altered his behavior or personality, especially when interacting with those who have known him for a long time. Chawla's support for Kohli emphasizes that even the brightest spotlight hasn't shaken the foundation of who the batter truly is.

 "I have seen Virat change a lot. We had almost stopped talking. When you get fame and power, they think people are reaching out to them for a purpose. I was never one of those. I have known Cheeku since the time he was 14, when he used to eat Samosas, and when he needed Pizza every night," Amit Mishra said earlier. 

Kohli's influence extends beyond borders

Virat Kohli isn't only celebrated in India; his prowess with the bat has earned him fans worldwide, including across the border in Pakistan. Recently, Pakistan's ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi lauded Kohli's skills, recognizing him as one of the finest batters the game has ever seen. Kohli's impact on the global stage remains unmatched, further proving that while opinions about his personality may differ, his cricketing legacy continues to grow stronger with every performance. Despite the ongoing debates, Kohli’s unwavering fanbase, both at home and abroad, stands as a testament to his enduring greatness in the sport.

"Virat Kohli is a Great player. And Great player like Kohli could play such innings. That ball was Haris Rauf's best ball and he hit Six on straight down the ground was unbelievable," Shaheen Afridi said on Star Sports.

"Virat Kohli's 82* runs innings, I have never seen a better innings than that Kohli's innings in my career," Afridi added.

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By addressing both sides of the discussion, the focus returns to Kohli's consistent character and exemplary cricketing prowess, which continue to define his legacy despite the occasional controversies surrounding his public persona.