It isn’t an overstatement when someone credits Virat Kohli with beginning a fitness revolution in the Indian cricket fraternity. From being a chubby West Delhi boy to becoming a fitness icon, Virat Kohli has certainly been the epitome of budding cricketers.
Shashank shocked by Virat Kohli’s fitness
Shashank Singh, the breakout star of Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) IPL 2024 campaign, has also praised Kohli’s exceptional fitness level. Shashank, who himself has impressed with his dedication to fitness despite being in his 30s, acknowledged Kohli’s superhuman athleticism after being run out by the RCB star during an IPL match.
Kohli’s reputation as a fitness icon in Indian cricket precedes him. Shashank, despite a successful IPL season (highest run-scorer for PBKS with 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.5), conceded that Kohli operates on another level entirely.
In an exclusive interview with Insidesport, he referred to Kohli’s brilliance on the field: “They (Athletes like Virat Kohli) are different level. One can call them Superhuman. You see Virat Kohli. When Virat Kohli got me out via a run-out in this IPL, I was fine because Virat was just too quick. If someone will say that I was slow, I would accept that. I need to surely work on my fitness but Virat Kohli is just on another level.“
How did Kohli ran out Shashank?
The run-out Shashank Singh mentioned involved a moment of exceptional athleticism by Kohli. During the PBKS vs RCB clash, Shashank was batting well (37 off 19 balls) and was posing a threat. However, Kohli’s fielding brilliance put an end to the innings. With a sensational display of agility, Kohli covered a significant distance, dived full length, and unleashed a rocket throw that found the PBKS finisher just short of his crease.
The brilliance of the dismissal went beyond just the distance covered. Despite being slightly off balance while releasing the throw, Kohli managed to find the target. It showcased not only his physical prowess but also his exceptional cricketing awareness.