Virat Kohli : I never wanted to be average, I wanted to be best in the world

"It was after the IPL in 2012. Till then I did not focus much on the physical aspect. I never got into the minute details of fitness, things like what I need to eat from morning to night, how much I need to work out, how much I need to train. After that IPL, I started listening to my body.

"I made a lifestyle choice (back in 2012). I wanted to explore a new side of my body to take me to the next level because I never wanted to be average. I wanted to be best in the world. So I always had that mindset but never had the physical ability (before 2012)," the Indian Test skipper told PTI in an exclusive interview.

The star cricketer laid bare his initial qualms about fielding and how things have improved since he started working on his fitness.

"When you become fit, you feel you can do anything. I will give you one example. I was never a quick fielder. I was never willing to field in every position. But after becoming fitter, lighter and stronger, I overcame all those doubts I had (about fielding). Now it (staying fit, eating right) has become second nature to me," he added.

Kohli is also keen to spread more awareness about fitness amid the Indian youth and how a fit body helps an individual to achieve whatever he/ she desires.

"If you look at some of the statistics (rising health problems in India), it causes fear in your mind. So I want to create awareness on fitness, the importance of staying fit and healthy. You would be able to do what you want to do only when you are feel fit from inside.

"I have never been as fit as I am today. It has worked beautifully for me. It has become a lifestyle choice for me.

“Even in off time, I watch what I eat. In fact, I get more excited about fitness, feeling good, being healthy than anything else. That is probably because by body realises that fitness is what I would need after my professional career is done," Kohli explained, reported PTI.

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