Over the years, the fitness standards in Team India have significantly improved, and much of the credit goes to former skipper Virat Kohli, who changed the entire outlook, leading by example. All this also brought the ‘yo-yo test’ days in Team India, which was truly a testimony of a player’s fitness.
Of course, some players are fitter than others in the team, but overall Team India has been right up there with the best in the world. While Kohli might understandably look the fittest, Rohit Sharma is not far behind. If India’s strength and conditioning coach Ankit Kaliyar is to be believed, Rohit is as fit as Kohli.
“Rohit Sharma is a fit player. He has good fitness. Looks a bit bulky but he always passes the Yo-Yo test. He is as fit as Virat Kohli. He looks like he is bulky but we have seen him on the field. His agility and mobility is amazing. He is among the fittest cricketers,” Kaliyar told the Times of India.
Meanwhile, the coach also admitted that it was Kohli who brought a change in the fitness culture. “Virat is a leading example when it comes to fitness. He has created a culture of fitness in the team. When your top player is so fit, then you become an example for others. He injects confidence in others.
Shubman Gill too Looks Upto Virat Kohli
“When he was the captain, he ensured everyone remained fit. Fitness was his top parameter in the team. He has created that culture and discipline in the team. That atmosphere was created by Virat bhai and it’s a commendable thing. He is the reason why all the Indian players are so fit,” said Kaliyar.
His dedication has passed on to the next generation of Indian cricket, and Shubman Gill is one such player who also takes his fitness very seriously. “Shubman is very fit. Not just fit, he is a very skillful player. There is no doubt that Shubman is inspired by Virat bhai. Be it batting, fitness, or skill, Shubman is following Virat bhai. I am sure Shubman will be doing well for the country in the coming years.”
