Virat Kohli’s rise as one of cricket’s fittest athletes began with a simple moment of self-realisation rather than an elaborate fitness plan. During India’s 2011 tour of Australia, a young Kohli enjoyed a hearty dinner at a Thai restaurant in Canberra before walking back to the team hotel with batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. Reflecting on the meal, Kohli admitted, “Enough is enough. I need to start taking my fitness seriously.”
Years later, ahead of Kohli’s 100th Test in 2022, Tendulkar recalled the conversation in a BCCI tribute, praising the former India captain for following through on his promise. Tendulkar said Kohli had left “no stone unturned” in his pursuit of fitness and had become a role model through his dedication and discipline.
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Health experts say Kohli’s experience highlights how a moment of awareness can trigger meaningful lifestyle changes. According to Dt. Amreen Sheikh, Chief Dietitian at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, many people decide to improve their health after recognising how unhealthy habits affect their energy, comfort and overall well-being. Feeling sluggish or bloated after an indulgent meal can often become the motivation to adopt healthier routines.
However, experts stress that long-term fitness is built through consistency rather than extreme measures. Instead of eliminating favourite foods overnight or following restrictive diets, sustainable progress comes from practical daily habits. Eating balanced meals rich in protein, adding more fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, maintaining regular meal timings and engaging in physical activity each day are far more effective than short-lived crash diets.
