A Tribute to a Fitness Icon by Urban Acres
Virat Kohli’s name is synonymous with records, milestones, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Across a 15-year international career, he has amassed over 27,000 runs, placing him among the most prolific run-scorers in the history of cricket. Kohli’s legacy is built on staggering numbers – 81 international centuries, 51 ODI hundreds, and over 9,000 Test runs – numbers that have not only shaped Indian cricket but also positioned him as one of the greatest batsmen in the world.
In ODIs, he has been the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000, 13,000 and 14, 000 runs, setting benchmarks that few can aspire to match. His average in successful chases remains an astonishing 90, underscoring his reputation as the ultimate chase master. In Test cricket, he has played 111 matches, recording 30 centuries and establishing himself as a reliable middle-order anchor capable of steering India through the most challenging conditions. Yet, despite these achievements, Kohli’s contributions to Indian cricket extend far beyond the boundary line. His greatest legacy is not just his batting prowess but the fitness revolution he led within the Indian cricket team – a transformation that reshaped the culture of Indian cricket.
Kohli’s journey towards peak fitness is a story of relentless discipline and uncompromising dedication. Early in his career, he was known for his aggressive batting and emotional outbursts. But a turning point came in 2012, following a dismal performance in the IPL and a poor tour of Australia. Kohli returned to India and decided to overhaul his entire lifestyle. He adopted a vegan diet, eliminated junk food, and committed to a rigorous training regimen that included weightlifting, endurance runs, and high-intensity workouts. By 2016, Kohli’s transformation was complete – he had shed over 10 kilograms, reduced his body fat percentage to a remarkable 9%, and emerged as one of the fittest athletes in the world. His fitness standards became a benchmark for the entire Indian team, compelling even junior players to reassess their physical conditioning.
Under Kohli’s captaincy, the Indian team became a powerhouse of athleticism, capable of competing with the likes of Australia, South Africa, and England in their own backyards. Fielding, once a liability for Indian teams, became a strength, with players diving, sprinting, and pulling off spectacular saves that were once unthinkable. Kohli’s personal fitness standards were so high that he demanded the same from his teammates. In 2018, he pushed for the introduction of the Yo-Yo Test, a gruelling endurance assessment that became the gold standard for fitness in the Indian squad. Those who failed the test were dropped – a decision that raised eyebrows but eventually elevated the team’s fitness culture.
Even at 36, Kohli remains a physical specimen. His sprint speed between the wickets, reflexes in the field, and stamina during marathon innings are unmatched by players a decade younger. He is still capable of running a 2 km sprint in under 8 minutes, a feat that would challenge even elite athletes. Despite maintaining these exceptional standards, Kohli has been forced out by the BCCI – a decision that raises critical questions about the board’s approach to senior players. Officially, the BCCI has remained tight-lipped about the reasons for Kohli’s exit. But the optics are troubling – a player who has set the benchmark for fitness, discipline, and consistency is being asked to step aside without a clear rationale.
In a country where senior players like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni were allowed to retire on their own terms, Kohli’s forced exit is a stark contrast. Tendulkar, despite struggling with injuries in his final years, was given a farewell series against the West Indies. Dhoni, too, was allowed to bow out gracefully after the 2019 World Cup. But Kohli, who remains fitter than ever, is being pushed out at a time when he is still among the fittest and most influential players in the team. The decision also sends a troubling signal to younger players. If a player who has maintained elite fitness standards, adhered to a clean lifestyle, and delivered consistent performances can be forced out, what incentive is there for others to follow in his footsteps?
Kohli’s impact goes beyond fitness. He has been a mentor to the next generation of Indian cricketers, influencing players like Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and Rishabh Pant, who have openly acknowledged Kohli’s role in shaping their work ethic. His relentless pursuit of excellence has become a blueprint for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that success is a byproduct of discipline, sacrifice, and hard work. The decision to force out Kohli also raises questions about the BCCI’s broader vision for Indian cricket. In a sport that is increasingly defined by power, speed, and athleticism, Kohli’s exit risks reversing the progress he initiated. His emphasis on fitness was not just about individual performance – it was about elevating the entire team’s standards.
If fitness is no longer a priority, Indian cricket risks sliding back to an era where players were more concerned with batting averages than body fat percentages. Injuries could become more frequent, fielding standards could decline, and the team’s ability to compete against fitter, more athletic sides could be compromised. Moreover, Kohli’s exit could have brand repercussions. As one of the most marketable athletes globally, Kohli’s brand value is immense. Sponsors flocked to him not just because of his cricketing prowess but because of his image as a disciplined, dedicated athlete who embodied the values of hard work and perseverance. Losing him prematurely could impact Indian cricket’s marketability, particularly in overseas markets where Kohli has a massive fan base.
At Urban Acres, we believe that Kohli’s story is more than just a cricketing saga – it is a masterclass in the power of self-discipline, fitness, and mental toughness. His transformation from a talented but temperamental youngster to a fitness icon and global cricketing phenomenon is a story that should be celebrated, not sidelined. By forcing him out, the BCCI risks not just losing a world-class cricketer but also undermining the culture of fitness and excellence that Kohli worked so hard to build. It is not just about the runs he scored or the centuries he hit – it is about the example he set for an entire generation of cricketers.
Kohli’s exit is a cautionary tale. If Indian cricket is to remain competitive in the global arena, it must continue to prioritize fitness, discipline, and mental toughness – values that Kohli personified. Otherwise, the legacy he built could unravel, leaving Indian cricket weaker, less fit, and less competitive than ever before. Virat Kohli may no longer don the Indian white jersey, but his impact will endure. He has shown that age is just a number, that discipline can defy time, and that true legends never really retire – they just pass on the torch to those willing to carry it forward. And if the BCCI truly values excellence, it would do well to remember that a fitness icon like Kohli is not just an asset to Indian cricket – he is a ,symbol of what the future should aspire to be.
Virat Kohli – The Fitness Example Forced Out – Has BCCI Just Sent the Wrong Message?
