virat kohli rohit sharma
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's friendship goes a long wayReuters

India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar once mentioned in an event that if any Indian cricketer can surpass his achievements in the game, it will either be Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Two best friends and also batsmen par excellence, Rohit and Virat go back a long way.

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Rohit, 29, ruled out for at least three months owing to injury, could be seen playing alongside Virat yet again in 2017. The return date, we are not quite sure of. But it is expected that the opening batsman will be missing the entire India vs England cricket series, that will end on February 1, 2017.

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On the occasion of Virat Kohli's 28th birthday when the entire cricket fraternity is just going crazy sending the swashbuckling cricketer a plethora of messages, birthday gifts and making sure he trends on social media with the hashtag #HappyBirthdayVirat, Rohit saluted the achievements of his friend. 

The mood may be sombre for Rohit, but that doesn't stop him from recognising the achievements of Virat and mentioning that playing under the 28-year-old in the Test team has been nothing but a memorable lifetime experience so far.

"[As a captain] I think he's [Virat is] someone who believes in pushing and backing players. It's what MS Dhoni used to do," told Rohit to the Times of India in an interview. "I think every captain would want a player to have good run and settle down. His influence on the team, and not just me, is great. If your captain is on your side and gives you freedom then that's all that matters.

"He's still new to captaincy so it's going to take him some time to settle," adds the 29-year-old.

Virat's second major task starts from November 9, when the five match Test series between India and England gets underway. Can he say goodbye to the calendar year with a bang? Well, he already has made a bang and whatever more he achieves, it only adds to his legacy.

Oh and before we forget, Happy birthday Virat!