‘Get to the Bloody Gym!’: How Virat Kohli Transformed India’s Fitness Culture

Table of Contents

• The Virat Kohli Fitness Revolution
• Ravi Shastri’s Raw Confession: ‘He Changed Everything’
• What Happened After Kohli Got Out?
• Kohli’s Legacy: More Than Just Runs
• Sources

The Virat Kohli Fitness Revolution

When Virat Kohli burst onto the international scene, he brought more than just aggressive cover drives and fiery leadership—he brought a new standard of physical excellence that would redefine Indian cricket forever.

Today, the phrase “Get to the bloody gym!” isn’t just a throwaway line—it’s become symbolic of the cultural shift Kohli instigated within Team India. And no one knows this better than former head coach Ravi Shastri.

Ravi Shastri’s Raw Confession: ‘He Changed Everything’

In a recent interview, Shastri didn’t hold back when praising Kohli’s impact: “His fitness levels were off the charts. But more importantly, he made it clear—through words and actions—that mediocrity wouldn’t cut it.”

According to Shastri, Kohli’s message to younger players was direct, sometimes blunt, but always effective. “He’d look at a guy who skipped leg day and say, ‘Get to the bloody gym!’ Not as a joke—but as a challenge to match his standard.”

This wasn’t about ego. It was about raising the bar for an entire generation.

What Happened After Kohli Got Out?

Perhaps the most telling example of Kohli’s discipline came during overseas tours. Shastri recalled moments when Kohli, after getting dismissed cheaply in a Test match, would head straight to the gym—sometimes within minutes.

“While others were frustrated or resting, Virat was lifting. Not for show. Because he believed every session counted,” Shastri said.

That consistency sent a silent but powerful message: fitness isn’t optional. It’s part of your job as an international cricketer.

Youngsters like Shubman Gill, Prasidh Krishna, and even seasoned players began mirroring his routine. Team India’s fielding improved. Injury rates dropped. Recovery times shortened. The transformation was measurable—and visible.

Kohli’s Legacy: More Than Just Runs

While Kohli’s 80+ international centuries speak for themselves, his true legacy may lie in the culture he built.

Before Kohli, Indian cricketers were often criticized for poor fielding and inconsistent stamina in long-format games. Today, India fields like a top-tier side and competes deep into fifth days of Tests—even in brutal conditions like Perth or Cape Town.

Even current captain Rohit Sharma has acknowledged Kohli’s role: “He showed us that you can’t just rely on talent. You have to earn your place every single day—with your body and your mind.”

As Shastri put it best: “Virat didn’t just raise his own game. He lifted the entire team’s ceiling.”

Sources

• Times of India: ‘Get to the bloody gym!’ – Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli’s fitness influence