Former India batsman and legendary commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu, who returned to the commentary field through IPL 2024, made a bold statement about Virat Kohli. As we all know, Sidhu is a part of Star Sports’ Hindi commentary team and has not missed the opportunity to deliver his famous one-liners as soon as he officially returns. It was while he was speaking to his fellow panellists, the former right-handed batsman stated that Kohli still has not 1, 2 but 4 years of cricket left.
Star Sports host Jatin Sapru asked Navjot Singh Sidhu to shed light on Virat Kohli’s fitness level. Sidhu went on with a two-minute monologue as he described the greatness of the former Indian captain and also compared him to the great Sachin Tendulkar.
Sidhu was saying that after watching Virat Kohli win the Man of the Match award during RCB’s 4-wicket win at home against Punjab Kings 4 days ago. The star batsman had amassed 77 off 49 deliveries in the second innings as he attempted to chase a target of 177.
Sidhu praises Virat Kohli’s exceptional practice routine and his impact on the field
Navjot Singh Sidhu started by saying that it is a plus point for any particular team even if Virat Kohli is just standing on the field. He used an example from his time as a player and highlighted the importance and impact of Sachin Tendulkar. Sidhu narrated that when Sachin was not present on the field, the opposing team already had an advantage.
Form is as ephemeral as morning dew… class stands firm as the Rock of Gibraltar! @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/40H3Qvb9V9
– Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) March 29, 2024
“Virat Kohli being on the field is a big advantage. When we were playing for India and when Tendulkar went missing, the opposing team already had an advantage,” Sidhu said via Star Sports.
The 60-year-old then appreciated Virat Kohli for his impeccable fitness and said that he is much fitter than the fittest as he does not get tired even after running continuously in the middle. Sidhu then shed light on the reasons behind this, stating that his vegan diet and his determination to practice 24 hours a day have been what have made him the player he is today.
“He is fitter than the fittest and how do you know that? He runs 2 and 3 constantly but he never runs out of breath. Vegan diet, hours of practice and let me tell you, through practice, Michael Jordan said it, he could be there in the air for 2 seconds why? Because he used to shoot 1,000 shots a day. Through practice, a person can gain speed while he is in the air, through practice a person can convert poison into nectar,” Sidhu added.
Sidhu says Virat Kohli will play till the age of 39 without a doubt
In the concluding part, Navjot Singh Sidhu explained how 35-year-old Virat Kohli played a shot during the clash against Punjab Kings. Sidhu shed light on the technical aspect of that shot, on how he opened his body and how he rotated to play the drag shot. After describing that, Sidhu stated that he has no doubt about Kohli’s fitness and that he can continue playing cricket for the next 4 years without a doubt.
“He played a knock, there I made reference to Sachin’s example. He made a tremendous shot. When a batter waits, his feet go to the right, then he opens his body, turns a little, and then hits. The ball came out like a rocket, the square leg fielder didn’t even move, that’s fitness. And I say it today, boss, he will not play 2 years, he will play 4 more years without a doubt,” Sidhu concluded.