Virat Kohli has been on a record-breaking spree with the bat in the last few years. The 31-year-old has already amassed 21,000+ runs and 70 centuries in international cricket.
Apart from his batting exploits and records, the Indian captain has also earned praises from many for his sharp cricketing brain. No wonder, a lot of modern-day cricketers consider him as a role model and often speak about his influence on them.
Earlier this year, Sanju Samson returned to the Indian cricket team after a gap of almost five years and the wicketkeeper-batsman recently opened up on the lessons he learnt from Kohli.
“It was the first time I was spending time with Virat bhai in the dressing room. He is a very energetic guy. He is very happy, smiling and laughing almost all the time. He makes sure the dressing room is lively and full of energy. He may be very serious when it comes to work otherwise, but he's very chill and he is a very happy person to be around. The Indian dressing room is so positive and full of energy under Virat bhai and Ravi sir. They both keep the dressing room's energy-level high," Samson, who played two T20Is on the tour of New Zealand, told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview.
“So, whenever I'm around Virat bhai, you will see me smiling or laughing. But at the same time, almost everyone in the team, we always look forward to learning something from him. During the tour I took a number of batting tips and fitness lessons from Virat bhai,” he added.
Speaking further on Kohli, Sanju said punctuality, determination and discipline make the Indian skipper stand out.
“He is one of the best players in the world. Whenever I go to the gym, I always see him working out during a tour. He is very punctual and never misses his daily routines or schedules at any cost. The way he takes care of himself, the way he takes his nutrition, the way he trains, the way he takes recovery, he is a role model to me and to everyone. I think every youngster should follow how he is taking care of himself and how he performs at the highest level,” the 25-year-old remarked.
Sanju Samson didn't get a chance in the first three T20Is in New Zealand. But after India clinched the five-T20I series in the third game, the Kerala lad got his opportunity in the last two matches.
Unfortunately, Samson failed to make a mark with the willow as he registered the scores of 8 and 2 in the fourth and fifth T20I respectively.
