Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has opened up about Virat Kohli’s intensity during his captaincy days. Shastri described him as a leader who demands great fitness and commitment from his teammates.
Kohli, who has retired from both Tests and T20Is, will play in the upcoming ODI series versus Australia, starting on October 19.
Speaking on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, Shastri said, “If you’re running between the wickets, and if you’re a lazy bugger, you will soon find out. If you are looking for a second run and if you’re panting, and if he’s looking for a third and you’re yet to complete the second, immediately the message would be like, ‘Get to that bloody gym and start training, and get fitter.'”
Shastri said that Kohli’s dedication towards the game often made him lose his cool when he saw any of his colleagues making mistakes. Shastri also admitted that there were times he had to step in to calm Kohli down during the matches.
“At times, I had to calm him down. If a wicket went down, he would jump out of his seat. I would say, ‘Calm down. Let him cross halfway at least. Don’t meet him when he’s just 10 yards away from the stumps, you know. Come near the boundary line, then cross him.’ He was like a cat on a hot tin roof, ready to get out there and punch him. That’s Virat for you,” he shared.
Kohli, last played for India during the Champions Trophy.
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