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"Complete gangster vibe": Ishant Sharma defines intense on-field aura of Virat Kohli

Akshita Patel

Ishant Sharma speaks highly of Virat Kohli [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]Ishant Sharma speaks highly of Virat Kohli [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma provided an interesting insight about his fellow player Virat Kohli. When asked about players who exude a "gangster vibe", Ishant was quick to point towards Kohli, saying that he's a person who walks onto the field with total authority.

Ishant and Kohli have been playing together since their junior days, thus developing a strong friendship which extends on and off the field. Given their years of camaraderie, Sharma is someone who knows Virat inside out.

Ishant Sharma deems Virat Kohli a ‘gangster’

In a candid conversation on the Raj Shamani Podcast, Ishant Sharma named Virat Kohli as someone who brings a ‘gangster’ like aura to the field.

He said that as a newcomer, he used to feel many senior players carried a “legendary aura”. However, over time, he realised that Kohli stood out like no other.

"See, when I first started playing, I used to feel everyone had that vibe, everyone was a legend. Later on when I played, I felt that with just one person, Virat Kohli. He is one such player who gives off a complete Gangster vibe when he walks onto the pitch to play. He shows full authority, like he's saying, "I’ve arrived on the pitch"," Sharma said.

Ishant remembered Kohli's exceptional determination not only when it was effortless but even when it was difficult. He shared a story about a Ranji Trophy match, where Virat Kohli batted despite the tragic passing of his father, Prem Kohli. This situation spoke much for Kohli’s mental toughness and loyalty to the team.

"His attitude was like that: I am here, I will get the job done. Nothing outside has affected his game. Whatever is happening outside, he knows that when he is on the field, he will score runs come what may. He has always been like that. Even if he has come back at 2 AM or 3 AM or batted overnight, the next day he would go out and score," he added.

When it even came to travel or activities late in the night, Kohli's focus never changed. Ishant mentioned that whether he returned at 2 AM or 3 AM or batted overnight, he would still go out the next day and perform at his best.

Ishant Sharma praises Kohli’s fitness

In addition to his mental strength, Ishant Sharma also appreciated the physical fitness of Virat Kohli. He mentioned that optimal fitness not only made Kohli a better batsman but also an exceptional fielder, giving him with a competitive advantage.

"I think he understood that if he wanted to play, he had to get fit. He is aware that fitness allows him to play long, keeps reflexes fast, and improves fielding. That change came about in 2011 after the World Cup and the IPL."

Now, as Virat Kohli focuses on ODI cricket, his journey continues to inspire the next generation of players.