Former Team India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has lauded Virat Kohli, calling him a rare personality in Indian cricket history. Rayudu, who played under Kohli’s captaincy for India, said the star batter’s influence goes far beyond runs and records
Speaking on the Unplugged podcast, Rayudu said: “The kind of things he has done for Indian cricket, I don’t think anyone else has. And his value, many people don’t realise.”
Kohli has often been credited for changing the fitness culture in the team. Rayudu highlighted this, saying, “It’s not just about his batting. Yes, batting is there, but fitness. Before him, players were fit, naturally fit, many of them. But because of him, Indian cricket has reached another level.”
Rayudu added, “Virat Kohli has given Indian cricket the next 100 years in which Indian cricket will dominate. Because what he started is extraordinary. He had the skill, but to that skill he added fitness. Once you are fit, you are always mentally sharper, and your cricketing execution improves that much more. So for Test cricket also, it is very good.”
However, the former CSK batter expressed regret over Kohli stepping away from Test cricket too soon. Just before the England tour, Kohli surprised everyone with his retirement call from the red-ball format.
“In my opinion, he took it too early, 100 per cent. He should have played this series (against England). He should have played a lot more. Fitness-wise, I don’t think even half the players are fitter than him,” Rayudu said.
Rayudu concluded with a heartfelt wish: “I just hope he is happy. Because sometimes people think if you have so many hundreds, or so much money, then you are happy. But eventually, I just hope that he is happy.”
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