In a candid conversation on the Raj Shamani podcast, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma opened up about his admiration for Virat Kohli, calling him the only “legend” he has ever played with. Ishant spoke about Kohli’s exceptional focus, legendary mental resilience, and commitment to fitness, all of which have set him apart from his peers in the cricketing world.
Kohli’s Unmatched Legendary Aura
When Ishant first started his cricketing journey, he believed that all the greats in the game carried a certain “legendary vibe.” However, over the years, it became evident to him that there was only one player who truly embodied this aura—Virat Kohli. Ishant highlighted Kohli’s ability to stay intensely focused, no matter what was happening off the field, and his unwavering commitment to delivering performances on the cricket field.
“I used to think that every player had that legendary vibe when I started playing, but as I gained more experience, it was clear that the only person who truly fit that bill was Virat Kohli,” Ishant said. “His attitude was always simple: ‘I’m here to get the job done.’ No external factors affected his game. He knew that when he stepped onto the field, he was there to score runs, no matter what was happening around him.”
Kohli’s Fitness Journey: The Key to Longevity
Ishant also shared his admiration for Kohli’s dedication to fitness, which has played a significant role in prolonging his career. Kohli recognized early on that maintaining peak physical fitness was essential to sustaining his performance at the highest level. According to Ishant, this fitness transformation, especially after the 2011 World Cup and IPL, not only improved Kohli’s batting but also made him one of the best fielders in the world.
“He realized that to keep playing at the highest level, fitness was non-negotiable. It kept his reflexes sharp, improved his fielding, and gave him the stamina to go long in his career. That change came about in 2011, after the World Cup and IPL,” Ishant explained.
Kohli’s Mental Resilience: Focus Above All
But it wasn’t just Kohli’s physical fitness that impressed Ishant; it was his mental resilience that stood out. Throughout his career, Kohli has faced countless challenges—be it setbacks in team performance, media scrutiny, or personal struggles—but nothing seemed to shake his concentration or determination. Ishant fondly remembered times when Kohli would return from late-night flights or long innings only to step onto the field the very next day, ready to deliver.
“Even if he came back at 2 AM or 3 AM after a long flight or after batting all night, the next day he would still go out and score runs. That’s the level of focus and determination he has,” Ishant said.
A True Legend in Every Sense
Ishant’s tribute to Virat Kohli reflects the respect and admiration he has for his long-time teammate. Kohli’s combination of fitness, mental resilience, and unmatched focus on the field has truly made him one of cricket’s all-time greats. For Ishant, Kohli is not just a legend in terms of his cricketing records but a testament to what unwavering dedication can achieve.
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!
