Magazine : 
TATA IPL 2024: Kevin Pietersen Credits Virat Kohli for Indian cricket's Turnaround
Kevin Pietersen, a former England cricketer, has reflected on the considerable influence Virat Kohli has wielded over Indian cricket players, characterizing it as transformative. He noted that the 35-year-old batsman has been instrumental in a "revolution" within Indian cricket. Pietersen highlighted Kohli's dedication to fitness, describing him as a fitness enthusiast who consistently prioritizes maintaining high fitness levels. This commitment, according to Pietersen, has led Indian cricketers to evolve into true athletes under Kohli's guidance.
While speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, Pietersen spoke on the impact that Kohli has had on Indian cricket and his teammates. "One of the things that everyone will remember and will create the greatest memories as a player will be him finishing innings and being one the greatest finishers of all time. One of the things that he has done for Indian cricket is he has turned Indian cricketers into athletes, out-and-out athletes, and while doing so, he's not just talked the talk. He has walked the walk, and you can see that", he said.
Pietersen also praised Virat Kohli's outstanding performance during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), highlighting his ease on the field and the electric atmosphere he creates in the stadium. Kohli, who made a comeback after a two-month hiatus, delivered an impressive innings of 77 runs off 49 balls, aiding RCB in securing their first points of IPL 2024. He was named the Player of the Match and received the Orange Cap for being the leading run-scorer of the season after just two games in the tournament.
"It's something that he really feeds off. I spent some time with him before the game. We had quite a lengthy conversation. You can almost see in his eyes. He's back in the Chinnaswamy Stadium and he wants to turn it on, and this evening he turned it on", said Pieterson. Former India cricketer Varun Aaron also praised Kohli's performance against PBKS, saying he throws the bowlers off their plans and makes them bowl where he wants them to bowl.
"Virat Kohli loves big occasions. He loves big crowds. He loves to come back to Chinnaswamy Stadium and play with the big crowd after a huge break. I know the first match didn't go that well like he would have wanted to go but that doesn't matter for somebody of that stature. He just took the bowlers on, made a mistake initially but then never let them have a chance at all".
"See, Virat Kohli's greatness is how he throws the bowlers off his plans. Any batsman wouldn't want any bowler to bowl that length to which he almost got caught in the first ball. The next ball he stepped out, he didn't let the bowler settle into his lengths. And that's a mark of a great batsman. A great batsman will make you bowl to where they want you to bowl, they don't let you bowl where you want to bowl. And Virat Kohli does just that and that's why he's so successful in international cricket and at the IPL", he added.
.jpg "Gurbinder Singh Punn: Enabling Leaders To Achieve Unencumbered Success Through Effective Coaching")
.jpg "Navigating Success Presenting Innovative Insights")
