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"Hats Off": Sehwag Hails Virat Kohli For Leading Fitness Revolution In Indian Cricket

Akshita Patel

Virender Sehwag appreciates Virat Kohli [Source: @HashTagCricket, @virendersehwag/X.com]Virender Sehwag appreciates Virat Kohli [Source: @HashTagCricket, @virendersehwag/X.com]

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has showered praise on Virat Kohli, calling him the fittest cricketer of this era and crediting him for bringing a “fitness revolution” not just in Indian cricket but in world cricket as well.

Kohli, who made his international debut in 2008, has often spoken about how a change in lifestyle and fitness helped him raise his game. 

From diet management to gym training and rigorous routines ,the ex-India captain created new standards. His emphasis on fitness not just enhanced his performances but also the entire Indian team setup.

Virender Sehwag Credits 'Revolutionary’ Virat Kohli

Speaking on the Life Savers show, Virender Sehwag said that Virat Kohli completely transformed the mindset of players regarding fitness when he first became captain. 

He followed what he preached and set remarkable fitness standards for others to follow. That habit changed Indian cricket forever in Sehwag’s eyes.

"Hats off to Virat Kohli for started the trend of fitness in World Cricket. He brings the the fitness culture to Indian cricket. He's the fittest Cricketer of this Era. Now because of Virat Kohli, Every young Cricketers wants to be fit," Sehwag said.

Under Kohli, the Indian dressing room witnessed the implementation of compulsory fitness tests such as the yo-yo test. It produced a culture in which fitness was given the same respect as skill. 

Players had to live up to high standards of fitness, and this meant sharper fielding and longer-lasting stamina in matches.

Sehwag admitted that fitness wasn’t always the top priority during his playing days. However, he said Virat Kohli made it “cool” for cricketers to be strict about their bodies. 

BCCI To Raise Fitness Bar With New Test

In the meantime, the BCCI has added the Bronco Test as one more fitness standard for Indian cricketers, in addition to the Yo-Yo Test and 2 km time trial.

Originally developed for rugby, the Bronco Test assesses aerobic endurance by way of steady shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 metres, for five cycles (1,200 m total) inside six minutes.

Unlike the Yo-Yo Test, which focuses on recovery and agility with breaks, the Bronco will test nonstop stamina. Together, these tests form a complete fitness model specific to cricket's increasing physicality