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Virat Kohli may have moved into the twilight of his international career, but his impact on Indian cricket continues to be felt strongly. Former Indian fielding coach T Dilip has revealed how Virat Kohli’s energy on the field can push the players around him to give even more effort.
Dilip revealed that the former Indian captain’s intensity remains during training or matches. He added that Kohli’s approach has helped raise India’s fielding standards, while his attitude also encourages other players to push themselves whenever they are on the field alongside him.
T Dilip hails Virat Kohli’s consistent intensity
T Dilip, who spent nearly a five-year stint with the India national team as the fielding coach, and his fresh stint ended after the recent England tour, believes that Kohli’s biggest quality is his consistency and intensity. Amid this, Virat Kohli effect on Indian cricket? Report claims players turning to weight-loss drugs.
Whether he is playing a match or taking part in a normal training session, Kohli approaches the game with almost the same level of seriousness, as shared by the former fielding coach. Dilip revealed that the dashing right-hander is ready to put his body on the line whenever required, making diving stops and chasing the ball with full effort.
But the amazing thing is that Kohli continues to show the same commitment even at this stage of his career, where he has already retired from Test and T20I cricket, only playing ODIs and the IPL. Kohli’s fitness, fielding effort, and competitive attitude continue to push teammates to raise their own level whenever they share the field with him.
"Intensity is non-negotiable for Kohli": T Dilip on Virat Kohli's fitness
T Dilip was quoted as saying by JioStar, “When it comes to Virat Kohli, intensity is non-negotiable. You have seen him in the power play; how he is as a batsman, whether at cover or short midwicket, with his reflexes and with his dives, is admirable.”
The former coach further shared, “Even in the last series, he was putting in those dives and was sharp, always at you all the time. Even at this juncture of his career, he runs from long-on to long-on at either end during the death overs, and he is the first one to run out of the circle when the field is spread, and that's a fabulous thing to do for the team.”
T Dilip reveals Kohli’s biggest impact on India beyond batting
One of the biggest things Dilip was impressed by was Kohli’s involvement even when the ball was nowhere near him. Kohli wants to stay active and involved instead of switching off between deliveries. He remains ready for the next moment and keeps himself connected with the game.
Dilip believes that the former Indian captain’s presence can directly influence the players around him. When Kohli is fielding, other members of the team are also pushed to work harder and stretch their limits. The former fielding coach feels even without making a big statement, Kohli’s actions can set the standard for others.
He signed off by saying, “But what impressed me more is not just the actions, what he does when the ball is near him, but also when the ball is not near him, he wants the ball in his hands. With Virat Kohli, there is not much difference between him in a practice session and a match, because it's not just Virat; it's the five other players who have stretched their limits when they are fielding with Virat Kohli. That's the influence he brings into the group.”
