Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis praised Virat Kohli for his fitness ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He said that the Indian batsman is a great example for youngsters in terms of how to maintain their fitness.
Virat Kohli is one of the fittest cricketers in the world today. The batsman has changed the dynamic of the Indian team and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with the standards he has set in terms of fitness and is also putting pressure on other players.
From a chubby kid to one of the fittest athletes, his journey has been nothing short of exceptional. The amount of hard work he puts in is a great example for any youngster who wants to take up the sport and wants to make the Indian batsman their role model.
Even being in his mid-30s, Virat Kohli looks as fit as any young player who has taken up cricket. The batsman is often seen training in the gym in his spare time and his hard work is visible when he steps on the field for the Indian team and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Faf du Plessis, who will captain RCB in IPL 2024, highlighted how Virat Kohli trains and sends valuable advice to the youngsters. The RCB captain said that while the youngsters will be talented, fitness will play a big role in his career. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:
“He is incredible, he trains hard and is very fit. I feel like in today’s era of sports, you have to be like that if you’re looking for longevity. So he will be a great example. The younger generation may feel like they can come in and trust their talent.
“Yes, they are good enough in terms of talent. But in terms of the longevity of your body, to make sure you can play for as long as possible, fitness will definitely play a big role.”
Virat Kohli and I are very similar – Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis further spoke about his relationship with Virat Kohli and stated that he and the India batsman are similar in most things. He highlighted how they both think the same way about approaching the game.
The RCB skipper highlighted that the fact that they thought the same was the main reason why they connected when he joined RCB. He explained:
“There are quite a few things where Virat and I are very similar, similar in the way we see the game or think about the game. Obviously (we think about being) athletes, training hard, being fit, eating well.
“Therefore, we look for a holistic approach to being a professional athlete. I think that’s why we connected so well in my first season at RCB. “We were very similar.”
Currently, Virat Kohli is enjoying his free time. He took a break from the ongoing five-match Test series against England because he wanted to stay with his wife while the couple welcomed his second child in London. The batsman is now expected to return in IPL 2024. He will be vital for his team in the tournament and he is expected to open the innings alongside Faf du Plessis.