"Virat Kohli has never been to the NCA.." - Rohit Sharma

India captain Rohit Sharma commended his teammate Virat Kohli for his unwavering commitment to fitness and the game. Rohit Sharma said that Virat Kohli has never visited the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for fitness concerns or developmental programs.

Virat Kohli opted out of the first two Tests of the ongoing five-match series against England due to personal reasons. The former skipper is expected to rejoin the squad for the last three matches. Virat’s inclusion will strengthen the squad in the later stages of the series.

Younger Players Should Look Up To The Passion That Virat Kohli Has – Rohit Sharma

Speaking on Jio Cinema with Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma emphasized that there’s much to learn from Virat Kohli, not just for his skills but also for his attitude toward the game. He stated that young cricketers should learn from Kohli’s fitness and dedication.

“Virat Kohli has never been to NCA in his entire career. I would say that all the younger players should look up to the passion that he has. Leave alone how he plays the cover drive, flick, cut but first things first you have to understand what is the quality of the players that makes him where he is today,” Rohit said.

I Have Watched Virat Kohli Enough – Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma highlighted Kohli’s constant hunger for success, emphasizing that mindset cannot be taught but must be learned by observing and developing it internally.

“I have watched Kohli enough. He can easily be satisfied with what he has achieved. He can say that I will take it easy in these 2-3 series, I will come later, but he is always there for the team. That mindset of being hungry and not complacent cannot be taught. You have to learn that from by looking at the others. It has to come from within. I cannot teach you that,” Sharma added.

You Have To Stay Hunger All The Time – Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma highlighted the essential qualities for playing in the national team, highlighting passion, hunger, and pride. He encouraged aspiring players to prioritize these attributes over technical aspects.

“That is the first thing that I would say rather than looking at Virat Kohli or others technically. You have to stay hungry all the time, bring the passion and the pride to everything, being out there in the sun, playing for the team and getting the job done. This is what I want to the guys to have first,” Sharma concluded.

India is currently facing England in the ongoing first Test match in Hyderabad. The visiting team stretched their lead to 126 runs at the end of the third day’s play. Ollie Pope scored an unbeaten 148, playing a pivotal role in England making a comeback in the series opener.

The visiting team was bowled out for 420 runs in their second innings on the fourth day of the match. Ollie Pope missed a well-deserved double hundred as he was dismissed for 196 runs by Jasprit Bumrah. The hosts need 231 runs to start the Test series with a victory.

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