Ravi Shastri has spoken highly of Virat Kohli and how much the batter favors his physical regime (Images via Getty Images) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri praised Virat Kohli’s unrivaled fitness standards and preparation, calling his work ethic “extraordinary” during an episode of LiSTNR Sport’s Willow Talk podcast. Shastri highlighted how Kohli’s dedication helped raise the fitness standards in Indian cricket. “You know, even the fitness standards had to improve. When you look at Australia, New Zealand, England, we were way behind. So you had to stand up to compete there, otherwise you’re going to be kings in your own backyard. The moment you go out, you’re going to be smashed,” Shastri said.
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He added that Kohli’s influence goes beyond personal training. “It had to be collective, not just one individual. So when you had a captain like Virat leading from the front in that department, you know others wanted to emulate him.” Shastri described Kohli’s rigorous routines, both in the gym and on the field. “Forget the gym – whether it’s zero outside, I remember him coming out early in Cape Town and coming to the nets in Centurion. Then he batted for 45 minutes, then he came back in and asked Raga, a slinger who can shoot 150-160 from 16 yards, to go after him. But Virat wanted him to go after him, no exaggeration.”While the former coach was concerned about Kohli and his fitness, the batsman performed exceptionally well and came out unscathed from his self-imposed challenge. The 63-year-old also praised Kohli’s discipline and energy during practice sessions. “On the ground, day in and day out, there’s a routine. He’ll do a warm-up, stretch, make 50 catches in the slide cordon, then go out to the ground field, then knock and then come in. The energy he would bring to the table day in and day out was unbelievable.” Shastri then gave an example of how Kohli’s obsession with fitness was much more than contagious and how it sent a strong message to his teammates as well. “If you’re a lazy bum running between the wickets, he’s saying, ‘You’ll find out soon… He’s going to look for third and you haven’t even finished your second run.’ The immediate message is: get to the damn gym and start training. And toughen up.”
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Kohli, who won the IPL final with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in June and has not played professionally since, arrived in Australia with teammates Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. He was seen practicing in the nets, doing sprints and training with the team ahead of India’s first ODI against Australia, scheduled for October 19. Shastri’s observations offer a glimpse into why Kohli remains one of the fittest and most efficient players in world cricket, setting the benchmark for his teammates and the next generation.
