Before taking the pitch to bat, former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared some insight into Virat Kohli‘s attitude. In one of India’s most prosperous eras in international cricket, Shastri worked closely with Kohli. He talked about how his passion and intensity frequently reached such a level that he periodically had to calm him down in the dressing room.
The former coach noted how, even off the pitch, Kohli’s zeal and vitality remained tremendous. He added that his colleagues frequently raised their fitness levels as a result of the top batter’s competitive nature.
“There were occasions when I had to soothe Kohli. He’d jump out of his seat if a wicket went. My advice would be to calm down, let the batter who was dismissed cross halfway, and avoid meeting him when he is only ten yards from the stumps. Allow him to approach the border line, then proceed to cross him. Ready to strike out there, he was like a cat on a hot tin roof. Virat is for you.
Because he would otherwise turn up, it did. You will quickly discover whether you are a lazy bugger while you are racing between the wickets. He will complete two runs as you attempt to complete the second, and he will search for the third while you haven’t even completed the second. ‘Go to that bloody gym and start exercising and get fitter,’ is the message right away,” he stated in the LiSTNR Sport podcast.
The sixty-three-year-old also referred to Kohli’s work ethic as “unreal” while recalling his training during India’s 2018 tour to South Africa. After being dismissed early in a Test match, Kohli reportedly stayed in the nets for almost an hour and even requested that a slinger bowl at him at full pace.
“His exceptional work ethic was unbelievable. I have never seen such a person. Forget the gym; I recall him leaving early during the 2018 South African Test series in Cape Town. He arrived at the Centurion’s nets, batted for forty-five minutes, and then returned and asked Raghu, a slinger who can reach speeds of 150 to 160 from 16 yards, to bowl. “And he pursued Virat because Virat desired that,” Shastri continued.
Prior to the Australia ODI series, Kohli returns to Team India.
In the meantime, the seasoned batsman has returned to Team India in advance of the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, which begins in Perth on October 19. The 36-year-old will return to international cricket after a brief hiatus following India’s victory in the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma and Kohli were seen batting together during India’s opening net session in Perth. Social media users shared pictures of the two training together at Optus Stadium.
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