Star India batter Virat Kohli had a challenging T20 World Cup 2024. The 35-year-old displayed the right intent but struggled to score runs consistently with the bat. His form throughout the tournament was concerning, but in the final match against South Africa, the former captain rose to the occasion. Kohli delivered a crucial performance, scoring 76 runs off 59 deliveries, which helped India secure a seven-run victory. His impactful innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
Despite his struggles with form, Kohli’s intensity on the field never wavered. His commitment and energy were evident in every match, regardless of his personal performance. Teammate Suryakumar Yadav praised Kohli for his relentless efforts and described him as a powerhouse of energy. Suryakumar noted that Kohli’s involvement in team activities and practice sessions, even during tough times, showcased his leadership qualities.
“He is a powerhouse of energy on the ground, irrespective of his performance. If you see, till the final, things didn’t go as he wanted to, but the way he carried himself on the field, he was taking part in team get-togethers, practice sessions, everything. He was a leader in his own way,” Suryakumar Yadav told The Indian Express.
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Virat Kohli is arguably the fittest player to ever don the India jersey. Known for his ability to convert singles into doubles and doubles into triples, Kohli’s fitness level is unparalleled. Suryakumar, speaking about batting alongside him, revealed that it was initially tough to keep up with Kohli’s intensity. To match his fitness, Suryakumar began training with Kohli.
“In 2022, when I made my debut, I did most of the batting with him during the bilateral series and then the World Cup. I realised then that if I have to bat with Virat Kohli, I have to match his fitness because he takes two quick runs by pushing a ball in the gaps and then he slams a four.”
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“I had told the strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai to keep my training time along with his. Because sometimes there are days when I don’t feel like training or my body is tiring or mentally I’m not ready. So by watching him those 40 minutes will pass by in the gym,” Suryakumar Kumar added.
Kohli’s dedication to fitness and his leadership qualities on and off the field continue to inspire his teammates. His ability to perform under pressure and lead by example played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup victory.
