Bengaluru: Laxman praises Virat Kohli as role model for young cricketers

By Sanjay Menon — 9 August 2026 — 4 min read

VVS Laxman, who leads the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), has lauded Virat Kohli as an exemplary professional and a significant role model for aspiring cricketers. Speaking in Bengaluru on Sunday, Laxman highlighted Kohli’s consistent dedication to high standards and his inspiring influence on younger players.

Laxman emphasised that Kohli consistently sets and strives to meet very high standards whenever he plays, regardless of the team. This relentless pursuit of excellence, according to Laxman, is what makes Kohli such a strong role model, with many young players and teammates looking to emulate him. Laxman stated, “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 (for) whichever team to meet those standards.” He added, “And that’s why he is a great role model. And I think a lot of youngsters or players want to emulate him.”

Kohli’s Dedication to Fitness and Discipline

Kohli’s transformation into one of cricket’s fittest athletes is rooted in a moment during India’s 2011 tour of Australia. Sachin Tendulkar recounted that during this tour, after a particularly heavy meal at a Thai restaurant in Canberra, Kohli expressed his determination to focus seriously on his fitness. Tendulkar recalled Kohli saying, “Paaji, bahut ho gaya, ab fitness par dhyan dena hai (Enough is enough. I need to start taking my fitness seriously).” Tendulkar further noted Kohli’s commitment, stating, “I have to say that you have left no stone unturned. You have been a terrific role model.”

Kohli attributes his physical transformation largely to nutrition, acknowledging that while gym work requires effort, managing food cravings and maintaining mental discipline presents a unique challenge. He has mentioned being able to consume the same meal multiple times a day for extended periods. Approximately 90 per cent of his current diet consists of steamed or boiled food, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lime, avoiding masala. In recent years, Kohli has also adopted a fully plant-based diet, replacing items like grilled chicken and red meat with lentils, quinoa, vegetables, and protein shakes.

His gym routines focus on fast, explosive movements, including sprints, HIIT drills, plyometric jumps, and strength exercises tailored to the demands of batting and fielding. Kohli believes that flexibility and good movement are as crucial as brute strength, a sentiment he conveyed in an Instagram clip before the T20 World Cup 2022 with the caption: “Mobility is key.” Former cricketer Sandeep Patil shared an anecdote about Kohli’s discipline, describing him doing yoga at 5 AM, followed by two gym sessions, before scoring a double hundred on the same day.

CoE’s Role Amid Injury Concerns

Laxman’s comments about Kohli’s professionalism come at a time when Indian cricket is facing scrutiny over a rising number of player injuries, particularly before the Sri Lanka Test series. Laxman defended the BCCI Centre of Excellence, asserting that injuries are an unavoidable aspect of a cricketer’s career. He stressed that the primary focus should be on careful monitoring and management of players, rather than assigning blame to the CoE.

He clarified that the CoE’s role extends beyond just rehabilitation, aiming to support cricketers in achieving overall excellence. Laxman stated, “CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence.” Several key players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar, are currently dealing with fitness issues.

Laxman also addressed the challenges in filling the vacant position of Head of Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) at the CoE. He explained that the BCCI has encountered difficulties in finding a suitable candidate for this role. The position requires not only stature and experience but also a deep understanding of Indian cricketers and their specific requirements. Laxman mentioned, “After Nitin (Patel) left, we couldn’t fill his shoes. Everything was agreed upon; Andrew (Leipus) backed off citing family reasons.”

Kohli’s approach to fitness and discipline highlights that personal commitment and a long-term perspective on physical well-being are crucial, complementing institutional support. His journey, marked by sustained consistency over more than a decade across various formats, offers a relatable example for young players navigating the demands of modern cricket.

Laxman’s remarks underscore the importance of such role models in fostering a culture of excellence and self-discipline within the cricketing community.

Source: m.rediff.com