as a countdown to ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Since its inception, the off-field camaraderie and on-field banter between Indian cricket legends continues to capture the attention of fans. recent former captain Rohit Sharma Made headlines during an interview with Star Sports, where he playfully shut down any hopes of a mentorship role for his long-time partner, -Kuldeep Yadav.
The exchange, which has since gone viral, highlights the light-hearted but professional dynamic that has defined India’s recent era of dominance.
Rohit Sharma refuses to give advice to Kuldeep Yadav in a light-hearted moment
The relationship between Rohit and Kuldeep is an old one, often marked by the spinner’s desperate pleas for Decision Review System (DRS) calls. Historically, Kuldeep has been known for his over-the-top appeals, often provoking his captains into taking a leap of faith at the slightest LBW shout.
When asked if he had any pearls of wisdom for the wrist spinner ahead of the major event starting on February 7, Rohit didn’t hold back. With his characteristic blunt humor, he commented:
“No advice to Bhai Saheb. Bowl your ball quietly. And go back, you can’t appeal on every ball.” (No advice to the gentleman. Just bowl your ball quietly and step back. You can’t appeal every ball.)
This witty denial comes after several viral moments from the end of 2025, where Rohit was seen dismissing Kuldeep’s DRS requests with a smile and a wave, much to the amusement of fellow seniors like Virat Kohli. Although the tone was humorous, it reflected the high-pressure environment where every review is a goldmine that cannot be wasted on the spinner’s optimism.
Here is the video:
Rohit Sharma’s special advice to Kuldeep Yadav for T20 World Cup. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/7Mm2pvzVLF
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 20 January 2026
Also read: Shreyas Iyer or Ishan Kishan? Suryakumar Yadav confirmed India’s No. 3 for New Zealand T20Is
Selection conundrum of Kuldeep vs Varun Chakraborty
Apart from the banter, Rohit also touched on an important tactical headache for the Indian team management. India enters the 2026 tournament as defending champions and co-hosts, but its emergence Varun Chakraborty XI has been made complicated.
Chakraborty, currently world no. 1 ICC T20I bowler, who had a stellar 2025 and took 36 wickets in just 20 matches. His mystery factor makes him a lock for the starting lineup, but fitting him in alongside Kuldeep, who played a key role in 2024’s win by taking 10 wickets in five matches, is a challenge.
Rohit stressed that the biggest hurdle for the current leadership will be the bowling combination. “You can play them together only if you play with only two seamers” Rohit said, suggesting that India may have to sacrifice a quicker option to overcome their “twin spin” threat.
As India are set to begin their campaign against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium, the toss-up between raw pace and deceptive spin remains the primary topic of discussion. It remains to be seen whether Kuldeep follows Rohit’s advice to “just bowl”, but his role as a match-winner is undeniable.
Also read: IND vs NZ 2026, T20I Series: India’s best playing XI for the first 3 matches against New Zealand
