Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh attributes his peak fitness during his playing days to none other than Virat Kohli. Singh, in an interview with Star Sports, described Kohli as a “fitness guru” and credited him for transforming not only his own fitness but also that of other players in the Indian camp.
Kohli’s fitness journey began after a disappointing Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2012, where he realized he was falling behind international athletes’ standards. Determined to make a change, Kohli introduced weightlifting into his routine in 2015, under the guidance of former Indian strength and conditioning coach Shanker Basu. This decision not only transformed Kohli’s physique but also inspired his teammates to prioritize their fitness and fulfill their potential as premier athletes.
Singh, who played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), commended Kohli’s commitment to fitness but also shared amusing anecdotes about the Indian captain’s food obsession. According to Singh, Kohli could easily eat enough food for four people, and every time he talked about food, the question arose, “Should I order this?” Despite his love for food, Kohli maintained his weight for eight years and even had a favorite dessert—Malva Pudding—recommended to him by former teammate Zaheer Khan.
Singh further emphasized that Kohli’s discipline and dedication to fitness had a profound impact on his own fitness journey. With Kohli’s influence, Singh reached the peak of his fitness and attributed his success to the Indian captain, dubbing him the “fitness guru” of the team.
Kohli’s commitment to fitness has not only transformed his own game but has also set a new standard for fitness within the Indian cricket team. His impact on his teammates, like Singh, is evident as other players strive to follow in his footsteps.
With Kohli expected to re-join the Indian camp after the England Test series, his presence and dedication to fitness will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of Indian cricket.
FAQ:
Q: Who does Harbhajan Singh credit for his peak fitness during his playing days?
A: Harbhajan Singh credits Virat Kohli.
Q: What role did Virat Kohli play in transforming the fitness of other players in the Indian camp?
A: Virat Kohli inspired his teammates to prioritize their fitness and fulfill their potential as premier athletes.
Q: When did Virat Kohli start his fitness journey?
A: Virat Kohli started his fitness journey after a disappointing Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2012.
Q: Who guided Virat Kohli in introducing weightlifting into his routine?
A: Virat Kohli was guided by former Indian strength and conditioning coach Shanker Basu.
Q: Was Virat Kohli able to maintain his weight despite his love for food?
A: Yes, Virat Kohli maintained his weight for eight years and even had a favorite dessert recommended to him by former teammate Zaheer Khan.
Q: How did Harbhajan Singh describe Virat Kohli’s commitment to fitness?
A: Harbhajan Singh described Virat Kohli’s commitment to fitness as profound, dubbing him the “fitness guru” of the team.
Q: How has Virat Kohli’s commitment to fitness impacted the Indian cricket team?
A: Virat Kohli’s commitment to fitness has set a new standard for fitness within the Indian cricket team, inspiring other players to follow in his footsteps.
Q: What can be expected from Virat Kohli in the future regarding fitness?
A: With Virat Kohli expected to re-join the Indian camp after the England Test series, his presence and dedication to fitness will continue to inspire and shape the future of Indian cricket.
Definitions:
– Chennai Super Kings (CSK): A cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
– Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): A cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
– Indian Premier League (IPL): A professional Twenty20 cricket league in India.
– Weightlifting: A sport in which competitors attempt to lift heavy weights, typically barbells or dumbbells, in two different lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk.
– Strength and conditioning coach: A professional who develops and implements training programs to improve an athlete’s physical fitness, including strength, power, and endurance.
Suggested related links:
– BCCI Official Website (Board of Control for Cricket in India)
– Official Website of the Indian Premier League (IPL)
– ESPNcricinfo