When Virat Kohli told fielding coach he didn’t want to stand in slips

NEW DELHI: For those who have tracked Virat Kohli‘s journey since his early days, it’s evident that he has invested considerable effort behind the scenes to transform himself into the fittest cricketer on the global stage. His dedication to the sport and sacrifices, discipline, and commitment to fitness have not only reshaped his own career but also positioned him as an inspiring figure for numerous aspiring cricketers worldwide.
From a chubby cricketer who loved biryani, rolls, and his favourite ‘choley bhaturey’, to the lean run machine that he is now, Virat’s cricketing and fitness journey has been a fascinating one.
The 35-year-old’s live-wire athleticism was one of the key moments in India’s thrilling win in the third and final T20I against Afghanistan. Virat was given the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award by coach Indian fielding coach T Dilip.
The coach while giving the award to the batting star, also revealed how Virat once refused to take up fielding in slips.
“This guy (Virat) has shown time and again in split-second decision-making. The way he keeps coming, saving runs, putting dives, going for hotspots, you can’t take your eyes off none other than Virat Kohli. He won two medals in the World Cup. I still remember in West Indies, when he told me that he doesn’t want to stand in slips, wanted to do in short or fine-leg; challenging the youngsters that he wanted to be the best in the World Cup, and he showed that,” Dilip said while announcing Virat as the best fielder.
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“This is the intensity the man gives to the team. He not only does his job so well but apart from that he inspires everyone. It is a great opportunity to play along with him. I would like the other youngsters to come up and start replicating half of what he does, the whole team will look different. And today’s winner is none other than Virat Kohli,” T Dilip said.

Dilip also complimented the young sensation Rinku Singh.
“Your athleticism is outstanding,” Dilip said.
On Wednesday, India clinched a duouble Super Over thriller against Afghanistan to sweep series 3-0.