Piyush Chawla has defended his long-time friend Virat Kohli amid recent criticism from fellow leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who claimed Kohli has changed due to fame and power. Chawla, reflecting on their friendship that dates back to their under-19 days, stated that Kohli remains the same person he was 10-15 years ago, highlighting their enduring camaraderie. During a recent encounter at the Asia Cup 2023, Kohli even joked about ordering food, reminiscent of their earlier days together. Chawla's positive remarks stand in stark contrast to Mishra's claims, which sparked controversy and backlash from Kohli's supporters. He emphasized that his experiences with Kohli have always been pleasant, countering Mishra's assertions that their communication had diminished. Kohli is currently on a break with plans to return in September for the Bangladesh series.