Bengaluru, India – In a resounding endorsement of unwavering professionalism and dedication, former India batter and current BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head, VVS Laxman, has lauded Virat Kohli as an “exemplary professional” and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Sunday, Laxman emphasized Kohli’s relentless commitment to maintaining an elite standard in every outing, identifying this unwavering professionalism as a pivotal reason for his widespread admiration among young athletes.
‘Virat is an exemplary professional’
Laxman articulated that Kohli consistently strives to meet the lofty benchmarks he has established for himself throughout his illustrious career. “I think there is no doubt that Virat is an exemplary professional. And the standards he sets for himself are something which he tries and goes out every time he plays (for) whichever team to meet those standards,” VVS said.
This steadfast attitude, Laxman believes, has elevated Kohli beyond mere cricketing achievements, transforming him into a powerful figure of emulation. “And that’s why he is a great role model. And I think a lot of youngsters or players want to emulate him,” he added.
Numbers That Reflect Kohli’s Unparalleled Longevity
Kohli’s statistical record serves as a testament to the remarkable consistency he has displayed across all formats of the game. The former India captain boasts an astonishing 28,359 international runs from 562 matches, featuring 85 centuries and 148 half-centuries. His highest international score remains an unbeaten 254.
In Test cricket, Kohli has amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries, at an impressive average of 46.85.
His One Day International (ODI) statistics are even more extraordinary. Across 314 matches, Kohli has scored 14,941 runs at an exceptional average of 58.59, complemented by 54 centuries and 75 fifties. These figures firmly establish him as one of the most successful batters in the history of the format.
Furthermore, he has represented India in 125 T20 Internationals, contributing 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69, which includes a century.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Meets VVS Laxman at CoE
The conversation around cricketing standards and player welfare extended to an important meeting at the CoE on Sunday. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met with VVS Laxman to conduct a comprehensive review of the rehabilitation and injury-management programs in place. The BCCI has expressed ongoing concern not only regarding the increasing number of unavailable players but also the discrepancies between the timelines communicated by the CoE and the expectations of the national selectors.
Laxman, however, reiterated that the CoE’s approach is rooted in continuous assessment and transparent communication, rather than focusing on assigning blame when a player experiences a setback during their recovery process. This ongoing dialogue underscores the BCCI’s commitment to optimizing player health and ensuring a seamless return to play for its elite athletes.
