Virat Kohli may be one of the biggest names in world cricket today, but he hasn’t forgotten where he came from—or the people he came up with. Once a junior player lovingly called “Chiku” by his seniors, Kohli is now revered as a modern-day legend of the game. Yet, some of his former teammates—Yuvraj Singh and Amit Mishra—have recently suggested that fame has changed him.

Now, without naming names, Kohli has responded in vintage Kohli fashion.

Kohli’s Calm Comeback

Speaking on the RCB podcast, Kohli opened up about his relationships with past teammates and made it a point to name several of them.

“I’ve never treated anyone differently. I don’t feel I’ve changed at all,” Kohli said.
“I recently met Tanmay Srivastava and Ajay—both of whom are IPL umpires now. We talked about the old days. I also met Yo Mahesh in Chennai. I’ve played a lot of cricket with him. Nothing feels different.”

By listing names of his old colleagues and talking fondly about their shared history, Kohli indirectly pushed back at the idea that fame or captaincy made him distant or arrogant.

What Yuvraj and Mishra Had Claimed

Back in 2023, Yuvraj Singh had remarked,

“I don’t disturb him because he’s busy. The Chiku I knew then and the Virat Kohli of now—there’s a big difference.”

Amit Mishra echoed a similar sentiment:

“We almost stopped talking. Fame and power can change people’s perceptions. But to be fair, Kohli still greets me with respect.”

While both acknowledged Kohli's courtesy, they also lamented the distance that has crept in over time.

Kohli’s Message: “I Remember Everyone”

Kohli’s calm, composed response seems to suggest that relationships evolve with time, but that doesn't mean respect or affection fades. His words indirectly counter the narrative that he has distanced himself from those who once called him “Chiku.”

By not naming Yuvraj or Mishra and instead focusing on teammates he has recently connected with, Kohli may just be reminding everyone that growth doesn't always mean change in values.