‘We share a lot of laughter’- Sunil Chhetri opens up about his relationship with Virat Kohli

Sunil Chhetri is one of India’s finest football players of all time. Aside from his leadership, the Indian legend has 92 international goals to his name in 18 years since he first donned the India shirt. The 38-year-old veteran, who led the Blue Tigers to successive Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship titles, offers his heartfelt thanks to fans for their everlasting love and support on every occasion.

Chhetri treasures the love and appreciation he receives from the public, viewing it as a continual source of inspiration. In an interview with the Indian Super League (ISL), Chhetri claimed a deep bond with Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli.  The great striker has succeeded in several teams around the country as well as in his international tenure. His unshakeable link with the senior national squad, on the other hand, has earned him admiration wherever he travels.

We talk about a lot of normal things: Sunil Chhetri

He said, “We talk about a lot of normal things. We share a lot of laughter. We share a lot of jokes and a lot of funny stuff. I have had a lot of deep and meaningful chats (with Kohli). It’s not like we talk every day. There are phases when we don’t talk for months but the best part is that he understands and so do I. But we catch up exactly from where we left it.”

“The few times when I have felt the heat of who I am and the need to perform and the few times that he has felt the heat of who he is and the need to perform, is exactly when we have chatted. He understands that not everyone can understand what we are going through and it just hits the right note.”

Both Kohli and Chhetri place a high value on the nutrition discipline, recognising its critical relevance, and have established unrivalled fitness standards via their own excellent practises. Chhetri said that they had long conversations about overcoming pressure and expectations. The former Indian captain will take on the field on 12th July in the Test series against West Indies.