IPL 2021: Kevin Pietersen reveals MS Dhoni’s assessment of Virat Kohli from 2016 that has turned true

Virat Kohli is unarguably the mightiest of batsmen of all times. The Indian skipper has been a sensation in the last decade, shattering one batting record after another and taking the Indian team towards many heights. Under his leadership, another positive change in the team has been in the standards of the fitness levels as apart from being a fitness buff himself, he has ensured to create that culture around him.

Apart from India, Kohli is also the leader of the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, where his fortunes seem to be changing this year as the team has made a staggering start, winning five out of the six games they have played so far.

Meanwhile, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen shared an interesting story regarding former India captain MS Dhoni and his assessment of Kohli a few years ago. Notably, Pietersen was a part of the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2016 and revealed Dhoni’s assessment in terms of certain aspects related to Virat Kohli, which five years later have come true.

The guy is an absolute freak show, says Pietersen about Kohli

“I remember running on a treadmill, when I was playing for the Rising Pune Supergiant five or six years ago and it was amazing. MS Dhoni was saying ‘It’s one thing I am fascinated to watch over the years to come is whether Virat can really keep his energy and attacking nature and excitement intact on the field.’ And here we are 5-6 years later, and he is just like he was when he was a kid.”

“The guy [Virat Kohli] is an absolute freak show. He has managed to maintain his enthusiasm. He’s maintaining his attacking nature,” Kevin Pietersen said on the Star Sports pre-show.

“I remember captaining him at RCB in 2008 and the same kid that walked around in 2008 is the same kid we are saying now. It is spectacular to see because he sets an example which Indian cricket has followed. His diet, athletic ability, fitness, professionalism, and his quest to continuously get better. He is just a hero for Indian cricket,” Pietersen added.