Rohit Sharma Reveals Emotional Virat Kohli Hug Story: "We've Seen a Lot of Setbacks"

Rohit Sharma, who prepares for what is expected to be his final World Cup journey in 2027, has shared a touching recollection of the heartfelt embrace he and Virat Kohli exchanged after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The moment captured the weight of their shared setbacks, the long pursuit of an ICC title together, and the renewed determination driving them toward the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

A Partnership Forged Through Highs and Heartbreaks

For years, Rohit and Kohli have been at the center of India's white ball cricket. Despite winning individual accolades and playing vital roles across several ICC tournaments, the two have never lifted the ODI World Cup together. The miss in 2023, when India fell just short at home, still lingers, making the next 50 overs World Cup their primary mission.

Their recent performances underscore that focus. Kohli blitzed 302 runs in the ODI series against South Africa, while Rohit struck a fifty and a century in Australia before adding another half century against the Proteas. Both appear fresher and more dangerous than ever, something reflected in their rise in the latest ICC rankings. Determined to stay at peak fitness, the pair is doing everything possible to remain ready for the 2027 challenge.

Over nearly two decades, they have navigated exceptional highs and painful lows. India endured a decade-long ICC title drought despite multiple near misses. That run finally ended in June 2024 when India clinched the T20 World Cup in what turned out to be the final T20 international for both players. It was after that victory that the emotional hug between Rohit and Kohli took place, a moment Rohit still carries with him.

Rohit Reflects on the Hug That Spoke a Thousand Words

"There was so much riding on both of us to take the team through. Not that the other guys weren't keen or hungry enough. But being, I do not like to say that word, the two senior most in that squad, we had played a lot of cricket together, except IPL. When he came into the team, I was only a year into my career. So, literally, we did everything together. And we have seen a lot of setbacks as well, with the World Cups," Rohit said while speaking to the ICC.

He explained that the victory was particularly meaningful because it marked the end of their T20 journeys. In his next statement, Rohit revealed what lies ahead as his biggest target. "Both of us knew that it was our last World Cup. Last T20 World Cup. So that made it even more special," he added, correcting himself as he shifted his focus toward 2027.

Eye on 2027 as Rohit and Kohli Continue Their Final Chapter

Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39 by the time the next ODI World Cup arrives. Even so, their lighter workload increases their chances of staying fit and competitive. They now feature only in ODIs and the IPL, allowing ample recovery time between major engagements. Both are also set to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December and January, a sign of their commitment to remaining sharp for future challenges.

As mission 2027 gains momentum, the bond between India's two longest serving white ball stalwarts continues to fuel their drive. The hug in Barbados may belong to the past, but its meaning appears to be guiding them into cricket's next grand stage.