Former India cricketer and BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman has praised Virat Kohli for his exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the game. Laxman believes Kohli’s dedication has made him an inspiration for a new generation of cricketers.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, August 9, Laxman highlighted how Kohli consistently challenges himself to meet the standards he has established throughout his illustrious career. According to the former India batter, Kohli’s approach remains the same regardless of the team or format he represents.

VVS Laxman described Kohli as an “exemplary professional” and explained why the former India captain continues to be a role model for young players. “I think there is no doubt that Virat is an exemplary professional. And the standards he sets for himself are something which he tries and goes out every time he plays, whichever team, to meet those standards,” Laxman said.

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He added that Kohli’s consistency, discipline and commitment are among the key reasons why several youngsters aspire to follow in his footsteps. “And that is why he is a great role model. And I think a lot of youngsters or players want to emulate him,” Laxman added.

During the interaction, VVS Laxman also addressed the challenges surrounding player injuries and recovery timelines. With modern cricket demanding high levels of fitness, he stressed that it is difficult to predict exactly when a player will be ready to return.

VVS Laxman explained that medical teams provide recovery timelines based on expectations and assessments, but the human body does not always respond according to a fixed schedule. “This is where I think it is very important to understand that the guidelines and the timelines are given based on what you expect. But it is the human body. It’s not a machine where the timelines will always be met,” he said.

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He further explained that rehabilitation is a continuous process, with a player’s workload gradually increased according to their progress. The process begins from the initial diagnosis and continues until the player completes rehabilitation at the CoE and is eventually declared fit to return to competitive cricket.