NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane shared insights into how former skipper Virat Kohli had a significant impact on his approach to fitness, training, and nutrition. Rahane was inspired by Kohli’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a disciplined lifestyle.
Rahane reflected on how he transformed his eating and training habits after observing Kohli’s remarkable discipline.
“I learned so many things from Virat Kohli. The way he goes about the game, the way he trained, his fitness and diet,” Rahane said during his interview with Curly Tales.
Rahane also expressed his enjoyment of batting alongside Kohli, highlighting their mutual appreciation and ability to compliment each other during innings.
“I enjoyed batting with Virat Kohli a lot. We appreciate each other and complement each other during the batting. He made some great partnerships for India. I enjoyed batting with him. My favourite partnership with Virat Kohli was a 260 odd runs partnership in Australia in the 2014 Test series,” Rahane added.
Rahane, who is not in the scheme of things for the national team, has been a reliable middle-order batsman for India, especially in overseas conditions. He will always be remembered for captaining the team to a remarkable Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21.
Earlier this month, Rahane led Mumbai to victory in the Irani Cup, ending a 27-year title drought by defeating the Rest of India based on the first-innings lead.
Rahane emphasized the importance of giving players ‘freedom’ and ‘confidence’.
“There is no secret to success. I am a firm believer of the thought that this game is not for individuals, there are 11 players playing and 4-5 are sitting outside. All the players are equally important,” Rahane said when asked about his performances as a captain for both Mumbai and India.
“As a captain it is important to give them freedom and confidence because every player in their own capacity is a match-winner. Every player has a responsibility. Those sitting outside can give such inputs which as a captain on the field might not think of,” he added.