Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has not only established himself as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation but has also become a symbol of fitness and determination in the world of cricket. His remarkable transformation from a young and talented cricketer to a supremely fit athlete has inspired countless individuals.
Following a below-par season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012, Kohli consciously prioritized his fitness and redefined his approach to the game. He recognized the need for change and dedicated himself to rigorous training sessions and a disciplined fitness regime. This transformation reshaped his physical appearance and propelled him to new heights in his cricketing career.
Virat Kohli’s dedication to fitness is not limited to his performance. During his captaincy stint, he introduced the yo-yo test as a selection criterion for the Indian cricket team. This test measures an individual’s endurance and fitness levels, emphasizing the importance of overall physical conditioning. Kohli’s influence has encouraged his teammates and aspiring cricketers to prioritize fitness as an integral part of their game.
In a recent interview, senior fast bowler Ishant Sharma shared an intriguing anecdote about Kohli’s transformation. Recalling their U-19 days, Ishant revealed that Kohli once partied all night before batting in a match the following day. Remarkably, Kohli went on to score an impressive 250 runs. Ishant’s account showcases the incredible shift in Kohli’s mindset and work ethic, leading to his physical and mental evolution as a cricketer.
Speaking to Ranveer Allahbadia on his YouTube channel, senior pacer Ishant said he has seen his Delhi teammate’s ‘party phase’ and the ‘tattoo phase.’ “We were playing a U-19 match in Kolkata. He batted overnight yet partied all night; the next day, he scored 250. I have seen that phase of Kohli as well. The best thing about him is how he changed his physical aspect starting in 2012, after the World Cup. He was training, but because of his diet, his mental strength and cricket generally went to a different level,” Ishant said.
Ishant Sharma further highlighted Kohli’s unwavering belief and intensity on and off the field. Unlike hope, which can be uncertain, Kohli’s dictionary contains only the word “belief.” His unwavering self-belief has been instrumental in his success and has inspired his teammates to adopt a similar mindset. Kohli’s intensity, mental strength, and focus have propelled him to achieve remarkable feats in the game.
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“Sachin Paaji used to say hope is not a word; it’s a feeling. But if you speak to Virat Kohli, the word ‘hope’ does not exist in his dictionary. His dictionary only has ‘belief.’ If you have belief, you can do anything. He is so intense,” the senior pacer added.
As Virat Kohli gears up to lead the Indian batting lineup in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, his incredible record speaks for itself. With 8,479 runs in 109 Test matches, he is a driving force behind the team’s success. Kohli’s exemplary fitness and exceptional cricketing skills set the standard for aspiring athletes worldwide.
