Every now and then, India skipper Rohit Sharma gets ridiculed his for bulky physique despite him being one of the best batters in contemporary cricket.
Not too long ago, legendary India all-rounder Kapil Dev had raised questions over Rohit’s fitness, stating that it is shameful for the star batter not to be fit despite leading the side.
However, Ankit Kaliyar – Team India’s strength and conditioning coach – thinks otherwise and he also compared Rohit’s fitness to that of Virat Kohli, who is widely deemed as one of the fittest cricketers around.
Speaking to TOI, Kaliyar stated that Rohit might look a bit bulky but he always passes the Yo-Yo test.
“Rohit Sharma is a fit player. He has good fitness. He looks a bit bulky but he always passes the Yo-Yo test. He is as fit as Virat Kohli. He looks like he is bulky but we have seen him on the field. His agility and mobility are amazing. He is among the fittest cricketers,” Kaliyar said.
Ankit Kaliyar also talked about Kohli’s fitness, citing that the former Indian captain takes care of his training and diet even when he is not playing.
“Virat Kohli is the fittest player in the Indian team and the world. The reason behind that is that he’s following a strict schedule. Whether he’s playing or not, he follows or takes care of his nutrition, training, supplementation, and conditioning part really well. He is very religious about his regime and routine. He’s the fittest athlete in India and throughout the world,” Kaliyar stated.
“Virat is a leading example when it comes to fitness. He has created a culture of fitness in the team. When your top player is so fit, then you become an example for others. He injects confidence in others. When he was the captain, he ensured everyone remained fit. Fitness was his top parameter in the team. He has created that culture and discipline in the team. That atmosphere was created by Virat bhai and it’s a commendable thing. He is the reason why all the Indian players are so fit,” he further added.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested for the white-ball leg of the ongoing South Africa tour. The two batting stalwarts will return for the two-match Test series, starting December 26 in Centurion.
