Virat Kohli is perhaps one of the fittest cricketers in the world today. His work ethics have been well journaled and he may have chosen another sport if his love for cricket was a bit less. He would have been a footballer given his affection for the game.
He even owns an Indian Super League team FC Goa and was recently in the state to launch the new jersey of the team and said that there can be a lot of things that can be learned from following the fitness and discipline from the players.
“We always look up to footballers for their discipline. It’s a requirement of the sport that you need to be at your absolute best to be able to take the field. Football players are very particular about professionalism, in terms of physical preparation, nutrition and rest periods. We learn a lot from them,” Kohli said to Times of India.
WATCH- Virat Kohli unveils ISL football club FC Goa's new home jersey
He then compared the fitness levels in cricket and football and said that cricket doesn’t require high levels of fitness unless one is a fast bowler. He mentioned, “You cannot compare. I think the only people who can be compared to an extent in terms of endurance are fast bowlers. Cricket is not a sport which requires amazing physical endurance. Football is fast and played within 90 minutes where you have to be absolutely fit to take control of the situation. In cricket, the fitness level requirement is not as high (as football). But if you strive to be as fit as footballers, then you do things at a different level in cricket. That’s what we look forward to. If we take our fitness level higher, we will perform at another level. Footballers are way fitter than cricketers.”
He was also asked if he will be involved in football more after he retires from cricket and Kohli said, “Something I am doing at the moment with my foundation is the athlete development program. This is a big part of the FC Goa future plans too, with the academy and the structure that we are trying to create. We want to develop players who will play for FC Goa and hopefully go on to represent the national team.”
He added further, “If the system is in place, the sport is in a good state. That’s going to be one of my priorities (after retirement). Football will take a lot of my attention because I am involved with FC Goa, but for sports in general, I want to contribute in such a manner that people benefit at the grassroots.”
Kohli also picked his favorite between Messi and Ronaldo.
He said, “I would say Cristiano is the most complete player that I have seen. Whether it’s the left foot, right foot, speed or dribbling skills, he’s amazing. I have not seen a better goal scorer. (Ronaldo) The Phenomenon, on the other hand, was something else. He revolutionized the sport and everyone followed him. His place is special, but if I had to take only one in my team who will give energy and intensity, it’s Cristiano.”
(Times of India inputs)
