'Youth can learn from him' - Mohammad Kaif lauds Virat Kohli's fitness, dedication and consistency

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has praised Virat Kohli's fitness, hunger, dedication and consistency in ODI cricket, saying these are qualities that young cricketers can learn from. Kohli produced a match-winning knock in the first ODI against the West Indies.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 off 88 balls, hitting nine sixes and 10 fours at a strike rate of over 157, as India successfully chased a target of 296. The innings was the most sixes the talismanic batter has hit has hit in a single ODI innings. Captain Shubman Gill also contributed with 110, giving India a solid foundation at the top of the order.

The knock carried Kohli past the 15,000-run mark in ODI cricket. His overall ODI tally now stands at 15,080 runs in 315 matches and 303 innings, at an average of 59.13, including 55 centuries and 79 fifties, with a highest score of 183. The innings was also his 86th international century.

"I still remember when Virat Kohli was out for consecutive ducks twice in Australia; people started commenting that Virat Kohli can no longer do it and should retire. Since then, do you know what Virat Kohli has done? Since then, he has played 11 innings, scored over 900 runs, including four centuries-and I am talking about ODIs," Kaif said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Kaif also highlighted the specific figures from the knock against the West Indies, describing it as a new dimension to Kohli's batting. He also referenced Kohli's IPL performances, noting that Kohli had won back-to-back IPL titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was named Man of the Match in both finals.

"Nine sixes, ten fours, 139 not out off just 88 balls. He has never done this before-this is something new, a new avatar that Virat Kohli has brought out. If your bat works, no one can touch you. Virat Kohli made up his mind about this. He plays in the IPL, becomes a back-to-back champion with RCB, and wins Man of the Match in both finals," the former cricketer said.

What did Kaif say about Kohli's innings against the West Indies?

Kaif pointed out that Kohli achieved these numbers despite playing only 11 ODI innings in a year and not featuring in Tests or T20Is during that period. He noted that the frequency of matches was low, making the consistency even more notable.

"In one year, he played only 11 innings, which means about one match per month. Normally, there aren't so few matches. Despite playing just one match a month, and despite not playing Tests or T20Is, look at the way he batted in this match. He is known as a boundary hitter, but in this match, Virat Kohli hit nine sixes," Kaif added.

Earlier in the match, the West Indies had posted 296 batting first, with Justin Greaves scoring a century and Amir Jangoo remaining unbeaten on 58 off 43 balls. The West Indies had also put on a 135-run opening partnership, though India's bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav who claimed four wickets, restricted the hosts below 300.

What qualities does Kaif say youth can learn from Kohli?

Kaif emphasised that Kohli's performances in ODIs reflect a consistent commitment to the format and an ability to maintain high standards over a long career. He specifically listed the attributes he believes young cricketers should take note of.

"Here, in ODIs, he scores runs in every match. He is doing a fantastic job. That is why I say, what can youth learn from him? Youth can learn fitness. Youth can learn hunger, dedication, penance, hard work, and how to maintain that standard," Kaif said.

Kaif concluded his assessment by pointing to Kohli's mindset whenever he represents India, and offered his congratulations on the 15,000-run milestone.

"Whenever he puts on the blue jersey for India, his ultimate goal is to remain not out and win the match. That is Virat Kohli. This is what you can learn from him. Many congratulations on reaching 15,000 runs-well done, Virat Kohli, and all the best for the future," Kaif concluded.