Former India batter praises Virat Kohli’s role in revolutionizing fitness and laments his early Test exit
New Delhi, 19 August 2025
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has praised Virat Kohli as a game-changing character, one that has changed the present and given the future of Indian cricket for a while to come. During a podcast, Rayudu called Kohli’s legacy not just limited to batting records, but even more importantly, a culture of fitness in the national team (which we have never seen before).
Fitness Standards Changed
Rayudu stated that Virat’s fitness focus changed how cricketers generally think about fitness in the game. He stated that while there were fit players before Kohli, he made fitness a new standard in the professional game, where players could no longer get by in cricket without it; it formed the new foundation of their game and that the change has propelled Indian cricket to now rule the sport for the next century.
Skill & Discipline
Rayudu discussed Kohli’s cricket path, which continues to bring his natural skill with unmatched fitness discipline. So in Rayudu’s view this combination enhanced the mental side of Kohli’s game, helped to execute his skill under pressure, as well as positively affect India’s overall performance in Test match cricket and thus he believed the elements have reset the new standards for players to follow.
Dissatisfaction Over Virat Kohli Test Retirement
In spite of everything, Rayudu shared that he disappointed with Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket earlier this year. Rayudu stated Kohli had plenty to give in Test cricket and his current fitness levels, he argued, are not matched by many current players. He believed Kohli should have been part of the current England series, regarding it as a loss for India cricket.
Beyond Records and Runs
Rayudu even added a personal touch and expressed his hope that beyond records, runs, and accomplishments, that Kohli is ultimately happy with his life. He said that external accomplishments often do not become inner peace, and wishes Kohli has as much professional pride as personal happiness in the coming years.
Important Points
Rayudu describes Kohli as a different type of player who influenced fitness culture of Indian cricket.
Rayudu credits Kohli with laying the foundation for India’s world cricket dominance over the next 100 years.
Rayudu is disappointed Kohli retired from Test cricket and that he has lot more to offer.
Rayudu ended by wishing Kohli happiness away from cricket.
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