Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli has said that his perception towards fitness completely changed after IPL 2012. The Indian Test skipper said that maintaining a healthy body has not only made him a better batsman but also an improved fielder.
Undoubtedly the fittest Indian cricketer, Virat Kohli has received accolades for his exceptional fitness from all quarters.
“It was after the IPL in 2012. Till then I did not focus much on the physical aspect. I never got into the minute details of fitness, things like what I need to eat from morning to night, how much I need to work out, how much I need to train. After that IPL, I started listening to my body,” said Kohli, whose next challenge is the tour of the West Indies starting next month.
The dashing batsman said that the urge to be the best in the world motivated him to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
“I made a lifestyle choice (back in 2012). I wanted to explore a new side of my body to take me to the next level because I never wanted to be average. I wanted to be the best in the world. So I always had that mindset but never had the physical ability (before 2012).”
Recently, India’s fitness trainer heaped praise on Kohli and said: “Virat wants to be the best athlete in the world.”
Kohli insists his improved fitness has helped him immensely with his fielding and not just his exploits with the bat.
Citing his own example, Kohli said that becoming fit has instilled a lot of confidence in him and being fit has become a “second nature” to him.
“When you become fit, you feel you can do anything. I will give you one example. I was never a quick fielder. I was never willing to field in every position. But after becoming fitter, lighter and stronger, I overcame all those doubts I had (about fielding). Now it (staying fit, eating right) has become second nature to me,” he said.
Kohli also had a word of advice for the younger generation . He wants the younger generation to pay more attention to their health.
“If you look at some of the statistics (rising health problems in India), it causes fear in your mind. So I want to create awareness on fitness, the importance of staying fit and healthy. You would be able to do what you want to do only when you feel fit from inside.
“I have never been as fit as I am today. It has worked beautifully for me. It has become a lifestyle choice for me. Even in off time, I watch what I eat. In fact, I get more excited about fitness, feeling good, being healthy than anything else. That is probably because my body realises that fitness is what I would need after my professional career is done,” Kohli said.