VVS Laxman, who heads the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), has lauded cricketer Virat Kohli as an “exemplary professional” and a “great role model.” Laxman highlighted Kohli’s consistent high standards and his inspiring influence on young cricketers.
Speaking in Bengaluru on Sunday, Laxman emphasised that Kohli consistently sets very high standards for himself and strives to meet them every time he plays, regardless of the team. This dedication, according to Laxman, makes Kohli a significant role model whom many young players wish to emulate.
Kohli’s dedication and fitness standards
Laxman noted that Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence is a key reason for his strong role model status. He pointed out that Kohli’s self-driven discipline demonstrates what can be achieved with the right mindset. This perspective is particularly relevant for young cricketers coming through the CoE.
Kohli’s physical transformation into one of cricket’s fittest athletes is often traced back to 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.
Kohli has frequently credited nutrition as a fundamental aspect of his physical transformation. He has mentioned that while gym work requires effort, managing food cravings and maintaining mental discipline around diet presents a different kind of challenge. He has reached a point where he can consume the same meal multiple times a day for extended periods.
Approximately 90 percent of Kohli’s current diet consists of steamed or boiled food, simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and lime, avoiding masala. In recent years, he has also adopted a fully plant-based diet, substituting items like grilled chicken and red meat with lentils, quinoa, vegetables, and protein shakes.
His gym routines are designed around 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, as indicated by his emphasis on “Mobility is key.”
Former cricketer Sandeep Patil shared an anecdote about Kohli’s discipline, recalling an instance where Kohli performed yoga at 5 AM, followed by two gym sessions, and then went on to score a double hundred on the same day.
Addressing injury concerns and CoE’s role
Laxman also addressed the scrutiny surrounding the BCCI Centre of Excellence due to India’s growing injury list. He clarified that injuries are an unavoidable part of a cricketer’s career and that the focus should be on careful monitoring and management of players, rather than assigning blame to the CoE.
Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, including Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar. Laxman stressed that the CoE’s role extends beyond just rehabilitation; it aims to help cricketers achieve overall excellence.
He also spoke about the challenges in filling the vacant position of Head of Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) at the CoE. Laxman explained that the BCCI has faced 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 needs.
Laxman mentioned that after Nitin Patel left, efforts to fill the role were unsuccessful, with Andrew Leipus backing out due to family reasons. The timing of Laxman’s comments coincides with a period when Indian cricket is managing a wave of injuries ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series.
Kohli’s journey, characterised by consistent performance over more than a decade despite the demands of multiple formats and back-to-back tournaments, provides a significant example. He has openly discussed his struggles with food cravings, making his story relatable to many young players. His approach highlights that personal discipline and a long-term view of one’s physical well-being are crucial, complementing institutional support.
Laxman’s remarks underscore the importance of Kohli’s influence, particularly as the BCCI’s sports science setup faces examination regarding player injury management.
Source: m.rediff.com
