As Virat Kohli steps onto the field today for his 300th ODI, an extraordinary milestone, becoming only the seventh cricketer to do so, we celebrate a career defined by passion, dedication to a craft and excellence. Having recently surpassed 14,000 ODI runs, his place among the cricketing greats is indisputable. If anything he is the best we’ve seen from this generation. But Kohli’s impact extends beyond just numbers, stats and records. He has not only shaped India’s cricketing future with his batting but also revolutionised the very culture of fitness in Indian cricket.
For millions of young kids including myself, Virat Kohli was the reason why we ever picked up a bat. The aggression, passion and insatiable hunger for runs was a lesson for us all—to obsess over the journey and chase your dreams. As someone who has watched Virat’s impact on the domestic circuit, young cricketers everywhere tried to emulate his cover drive, tried to perfect his wristy flicks, and aspired to show the same passion and aggression he displayed on the field—Kohli became the gold standard. His performances in high-pressure chases made him the ultimate role model for aspiring cricketers who dreamt of donning the Indian jersey.
Kohli’s physical transformation after 2014 marked a pivotal shift in how cricketers approached fitness in India. Kohli started off as a very promising young cricketer but a slump in form forced him to evolve from being a youngster not so focused on fitness to one of the fittest athletes on the planet. In doing so he set a new benchmark. His strict diet, disciplined workout routine and focus on endurance were unprecedented in Indian cricket, and what really made a difference was that Kohli was vocal about his fitness journey, which inspired millions. Young cricketers, as well as coaches and associations in the Indian domestic circuit quickly realised that talent alone wasn’t enough—fitness was now a non-negotiable part of the game. The introduction of the Yo-Yo test somewhat revolutionised and significantly changed the overall fitness standards of domestic players and Kohli was at the heart of this change. In Indian cricket, Kohli wasn’t just meeting new fitness standards; he was setting and defining them. He was walking the talk.
The mindset shift wasn’t just visible in the young cricketers but also coaches across the country, not just in terms of technique but also in mindset. Young cricketers are often encouraged to replicate his work ethic, his discipline and his hunger to constantly improve. His intensity on the field, his meticulous preparation, and his ability to chase down seemingly impossible targets have set a standard that young cricketers now aspire to match.
In every fitness test I’ve been a part of, funnily enough every conversation would inevitably turn to Virat Kohli—his score, his fitness, his speed and agility. We would all compare our Yo-Yo test results to his, setting personal goals to achieve even a fraction of his endurance levels. It is evident that his fitness has become the benchmark against which others always measure themselves, even at the age of 36, Kohli is fitter than most, and his journey has stimulated a cultural shift in Indian cricket.
Records, runs, stats and cricketing feats will continue to be celebrated for generations but Virat Kohli’s lasting legacy is much deeper. He has instilled a belief that cricket in India is no longer just about natural talent but about discipline, fitness, and an unrelenting desire to improve. He has given young cricketers more than just a roadmap to success, he’s shown them that greatness isn’t just about batting averages but about discipline and a steely mindset.
In a recent Ranji Trophy match in Delhi that attracted thousands of fans, Kohli met a young aspiring cricketer and when the little one asked him the secret of his success, he replied, “Lot of hard work. If someone is practicing for an hour, you should practice for two. That’s the only way.”
As he steps onto the field for his 300th ODI, Virat Kohli’s greatness isn’t just about numbers, talent or batting, it’s about having an unshakeable mindset. The legendary batter has not just played the game, he’s changed it and his influence can’t be measured in runs alone; it’s in the fire he’s ignited in those who dream of following in his footsteps.