Virat Kohli has set a fitness standard that almost every young Indian cricketer wants to match, and according to VVS Laxman, this has become a major advantage for the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Laxman recently addressed several questions surrounding the BCCI Centre of Excellence during a press conference. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was also present alongside the former Indian batter.
The CoE has faced criticism in recent times, particularly over the rehabilitation and fitness of injured Indian players. Questions have been raised over why some players fail to regain full fitness despite spending time at the Centre of Excellence.
Laxman explained the entire process in detail and also made it clear that the role of the CoE goes far beyond just rehabilitating injured players.
However, one of his most interesting comments came when he spoke about Virat Kohli’s fitness standards and the impact they have had on the younger generation.
BCCI Centre of Excellence Goes Beyond Rehabilitation
According to Laxman, one of the biggest misconceptions about the BCCI Centre of Excellence is that it is simply a rehabilitation centre for injured players.
Its role is much bigger than that.
The CoE works on preparing players for different conditions and challenges they could face during their careers. It also helps players improve different areas of their game and maintain the fitness standards required at the highest level.
The facilities also allow players to prepare on different types of surfaces, including red-soil and black-soil pitches.
The idea is to prepare Indian cricketers for different conditions, including the challenges they could face while playing overseas.
So, the Centre of Excellence is not only about taking an injured player through rehabilitation and getting him back on the field. It is also about making players better prepared for international cricket.
Virat Kohli Fitness Standards Have Inspired Young Indian Players
While discussing the work being done at the CoE, Laxman highlighted something he has noticed among young Indian players.
There is a strong desire among youngsters to become fitter and improve themselves.
And Virat Kohli has played a huge role in creating that mindset.
Kohli completely changed the way fitness was viewed in Indian cricket during his career. His discipline, training standards and focus on fitness became an example for the next generation.
According to Laxman, young players coming to the Centre of Excellence now want to match the fitness standards set by Kohli.
That mindset makes the job of the CoE easier because players themselves understand how important fitness has become in modern cricket.
Setting the benchmark, raising the standards. VVS Laxman on what makes Virat Kohli an exemplary professional. pic.twitter.com/oSnMRreBsk
— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) August 9, 2026
VVS Laxman Praises Kohli’s Fitness and Consistency
Laxman also praised the standards Kohli maintained during his career and connected his fitness with his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
For a player to perform across formats and maintain that level for such a long period, fitness becomes extremely important.
Kohli’s approach showed younger cricketers what is required if they want to survive and perform consistently at the international level.
This is why his influence goes beyond the runs he has scored for India.
Young players have grown up watching Kohli train, play and maintain his body at the highest level. Naturally, many of them now want to reach the same fitness standards.
And according to Laxman, that attitude has been extremely helpful for the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Why Kohli’s Fitness Culture Is a Blessing for BCCI CoE
The biggest advantage for the CoE is that it does not have to convince young players about the importance of fitness from scratch.
They already have an example in front of them.
If a young cricketer wants to play international cricket for a long time, Kohli’s career provides a clear example of how seriously fitness needs to be taken.
This is where Virat Kohli’s fitness standards can almost be considered a blessing for the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
The CoE can provide facilities, trainers, coaches and scientific support, but eventually, the player must have the desire to improve.
Kohli has helped create that desire among a generation of Indian cricketers.
Young players do not just want to score runs or take wickets anymore. They also understand that becoming fitter can help them perform consistently, recover better and handle the demands of international cricket.
