Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. (Source – Getty Images)
Star India batter Virat Kohli had an ordinary T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old had the right intent but struggled to score runs with the bat. His form was extremely concerning but in the final, the former captain rose to the occasion and delivered against South Africa, helping India win by seven runs. He was also adjudged Player of the Match for his impactful 76 runs off 59 deliveries.
Meanwhile, even when Kohli was struggling with his form, his intensity on the field never dropped and gave his all. Teammate Suryakumar Yadav lauded Kohli for his efforts and mentioned that he is a powerhouse of energy. The Mumbai-born cricketer added that he was taking part in team get-togethers, and practice sessions despite not being on song, which shows the leader in him.
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“He is a powerhouse of energy on the ground, irrespective of his performance. If you see, till the final, things didn’t go as he wanted to but the way he carried himself on the field, he was taking part in team get-togethers, practice sessions, everything. He was a leader in his own way,” Suryakumar told The Indian Express.
Suryakumar revealed how he had to improve fitness to play with Kohli
Virat Kohli is arguably the fittest player to ever don India jersey. He likes to convert ones into two and twos into threes, which may not be easy for other cricketers. Speaking about batting alongside him, Suryakumar stated that it was tough for him in the initial days and later he started training with Kohli to match his intensity.
“In 2022, when I made my debut, I did most of the batting with him during the bilateral series and then the World Cup. I realised then that if I have to bat with Virat Kohli, I have to match his fitness because he takes two quick runs by pushing a ball in the gaps and then he slams a four.
“I had told the strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai to keep my training time along with his. Because sometimes there are days when I don’t feel like training or my body is tiring or mentally I’m not ready. So by watching him those 40 minutes will pass by in the gym,” Suryakumar added.