Suryakumar Yadav opens up about Virat Kohli’s unseen influence on him, as he pays tribute to "Powerhouse of Energy"

Indian middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav shared his thoughts on his teammate Virat Kohli after the legendary batter called time on his T20I career following Team India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in the USA and West Indies.

Suryakumar has described Kohli as a powerhouse of energy on the field, regardless of his own performance with the bat. Kohli's influence on the field is unmatchable, and Suryakumar said that the Indian batting superstar's presence has been nothing short of inspirational for him, and even off the field as well.

Suryakumar Yadav shares Virat Kohli's influence on him and his game

Known for his aggressive playing style and unparalleled fitness, Kohli has left an indelible mark on both his teammates and opponents. The stylish batter recalled his experience from 2022, when he made his debut for India and often batted alongside Kohli during both bilateral series and the World Cup.

Suryakumar further opened up about the crucial step he had taken after realizing that to keep up with Kohli, he must match his fitness levels, given his ability to take quick runs while running between the wickets.

Furthermore, the right-handed batter revealed that he even requested India’s strength and conditioning coach, Soham Desai, to schedule his training sessions alongside Kohli’s. Suryakumar admitted that this move has really helped him stay motivated and push through days when he felt physically or mentally drained.

Well, Kohli's influence is not limited to the field, as his relentless work ethic in the gym also inspires his teammates. Suryakumar said that he gets a lot of motivation by just observing Kohli's dedication during his gym sessions.

The Indian batter added that watching Kohli train with such intensity helps him push through his own barriers, especially when there is a lack of motivation or physical fatigue. Notably, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 with the Men in Blue in Barbados on June 29.

He is a powerhouse of energy: Suryakumar Yadav on Virat Kohli

Suryakumar Yadav was quoted as saying by The Indian Express: “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.”

The 2024 T20 World Cup winner further recalled, “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.”

He signed off by saying, “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.”

Notably, Suryakumar grabbed the sensational catch of David Miller in the final over to help Team India beat South Africa by seven runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 final to win the trophy in Barbados.