With the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli set to step down from T20I captaincy after the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021, veteran spinner, R Ashwin lauded the 33-year-old’s “energy levels” and for playing “with his heart on his sleeve”. In Kohli’s final T20I tournament while leading the team, India is on the verge of not qualifying for the semifinals and needs to defeat Scotland on Friday to keep their dwindling hopes alive.
In a video shared by Stars Sports, R Ashwin was heard saying, “With respect to having dealt with him as a leader in the red-ball format, all I can say is that he plays with his heart on his sleeve. And sometimes when I watch Virat lead the side, I feel like how does he manage to bring so much energy. I really envy Virat’s energy levels, on the field and off it.”
A phenomenal leader, a dedicated player and the source of Team India's energy! 👑
Drop a ❤️ if you agree with @ashwinravi99's take on @imVkohli and #FollowTheBlues today:
12 PM | Star Sports Network pic.twitter.com/cI9vgihJY5
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 5, 2021
R Ashwin also elaborated, “I think the energy that he infuses on the field really rubs off on people. One thing that you can stand up tall and I can say at the top of my voice is the kind of culture he has brought into the team.”
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Ashwin also pointed out the importance of fitness for Virat Kohli as an India skipper. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain is regarded as one of the fittest cricketers in modern-day cricket.
Explaining the same, R Ashwin said, “In terms of making each one of realizing how each one’s fitness parameters is so important. I can never aspire to be a Virat Kohli on the field or in the gym or whatever it is. But I can be the best version of myself which is something he has made everyone realize in the team.”
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Since making his international debut in 2008, Virat Kohli has played in 254 ODIs, 96 Tests, and 92 T20Is. He has also registered 70 international centuries, which includes 27 in Tests and 43 in ODIs.
