Cricket

World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli’s biggest legacy to Indian cricket is the culture of fitness he has introduced – Dilip Vengsarkar

Former Indian skipper Dilip Vengsarkar feels Virat Kohli’s biggest legacy to Indian cricket is the culture of fitness he has introduced. Kohli played a key role in rising Indian cricket standards as a leader and also helped the fast bowlers take giant strides.

Vengsarkar was the chief of selectors when Kohli received his maiden ODI call-up on the tour of Sri Lanka in 2008. Kohli didn’t have a great start to his International career but Vengsarkar reckons he was able to relaunch him and worked hard on his fitness to get the best out of himself.

15 years later, Kohli is now one of the best batters in the world across all three formats. Kohli recently matched Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries after his fine hundred against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.

In his column for the Times of India, Dilip Vengsarkar wrote: “We picked him for the ODI series in Sri Lanka in August 2008. Even though he didn’t score too many runs on that tour, apart from a half-century, he looked impressive on that tour. Early on in his career, in the summer of 2008, Virat had a very poor IPL.”

“How he rejuvenated himself and relaunched his cricket, is absolutely amazing,” he continued. “He completely sort of relaunched himself, worked hard on his game and fitness, focussed hard and became an outstanding cricketer.”

Vengsarkar added that expectations are always huge from Virat Kohli and every Indian fan wants him to make a century if he gets a start.

“The expectations from him are so high and we are so used to seeing him score a century that when he scores a 70 or 80, it seems as if he has failed,” Vengsarkar added.

“His biggest legacy to Indian cricket is the culture of fitness he has introduced into the Indian team and the whole system.”When I see him convert ones into twos and twos into threes, I tell boys at my coaching academy to learn from him and replicate his fitness standards.”

Kohli has amassed 543 runs in eight matches at an average of 108.60 and a strike rate of 88.29 in the ongoing ODI showpiece.

India will next take on the Netherlands at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Young Shuttlers Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda Storm Into Taipei Open Quarterfinals

India's emerging badminton stars Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda continued their impressive runs at the… Read More

May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Faces Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the brink of suspension… Read More

May 9, 2025

Lalrindika Replaces Yadwad in India’s Provisional Squad for June Internationals

Edmund Lalrindika has been called up to replace the medically sidelined Irfan Yadwad in India’s… Read More

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou slams critics, says people ‘fear’ Spurs might win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at the club’s critics after they… Read More

May 9, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz gives injury update ahead of Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he is good to go at the Italian Open and… Read More

May 9, 2025

Man City forward Erling Haaland blames lack of ‘hunger’ for poor season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland feels the lack of hunger led to their poor season.… Read More

May 9, 2025