Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian cricketer, has opened up about rare moments of anger involving his close friend and former teammate Virat Kohli. In a candid conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Dhawan shared insights into the intense dynamics between them, from heated football exchanges during warm-ups to a run-out incident that sparked a major outburst. Let’s dive deeper into Dhawan’s revealing anecdotes and the bond he shares with Kohli.
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan’s Heated Football Exchange
The two cricketers, who have spent years representing both Delhi and India, have always been known for their camaraderie. However, even the closest of friends have moments of tension. Dhawan recently recalled an incident where he and Kohli were involved in a rare football-related altercation during a warm-up session.
“We shoulder-tackled each other once while playing football,” Dhawan said, describing how things got heated for a brief moment. “For a second, we got angry. Slowly, we stopped playing football in warm-ups because people would fight.” Dhawan attributed these outbursts to the intense competitive spirit that all athletes possess, especially those at the top of their game. He added, “It happens, there are so many athletes, aggressive, each one is big in his own right.”
The intensity of the competition and the aggression on the field sometimes led to moments of frustration, but the bond between Dhawan and Kohli has always remained strong.
Frustration Over Run-Out and IPL Auction Woes
Another memorable moment of frustration came during India’s tour of South Africa. Dhawan was run out by Kohli during a crucial match, and the incident set off a chain reaction of emotions. Dhawan confessed that he was already feeling the heat from a disappointing IPL auction, which added fuel to the fire. “My (IPL) auction, too, hadn’t gone well. I wasn’t able to accept that as well. So, that was there, and then this (run-out) happened,” he explained.
Dhawan admitted to having a significant emotional outburst after the run-out. “I abused a lot… he (Kohli) was in the middle, I was venting out in the dressing room – not at him, but like how batsmen usually would.” Despite the anger, Dhawan was quick to acknowledge that Kohli understood the situation. “But we have our understanding because we know it isn’t intentional. This happens in cricket.”
These moments were a testament to the pressure that elite athletes like Dhawan and Kohli endure, but they were able to move past them, thanks to their strong mutual respect and understanding.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Legacy and Retirement
Shikhar Dhawan retired from all forms of cricket in 2024, leaving behind an incredible legacy. With 24 centuries in 269 appearances for India, he built a formidable record in ICC tournaments, boasting an impressive average of 65.15. His career spanned over a decade, and he became one of India’s most reliable opening batsmen in limited-overs cricket.
Virat Kohli’s Future Plans and Focus on 2027 ODI World Cup
While Dhawan has stepped away from the international stage, Virat Kohli continues to remain an integral part of Indian cricket. Although he has stepped down from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli has made it clear that he is focusing on playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. His next goal is to lead India to success in their upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia in October, where his experience and skills will be vital to India’s performance.
Conclusion
Despite occasional moments of frustration, the relationship between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli remains one of mutual respect and deep understanding. Their journey through cricket, both together and apart, has been marked by powerful performances, unforgettable partnerships, and a shared commitment to the sport. As they both transition to different phases in their careers, their friendship and legacy in Indian cricket will always be remembered.
