Yoga at 5 am, gym, double century in a Test match, then gym again: Virat Kohli's daily routine inspires famous cricketer to go to gym for first time at age of 60

Synopsis

Former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil recently shared an inspiring story about Virat Kohli’s unmatched discipline, recalling a morning in Antigua in 2016 when Kohli was doing yoga at 5 am on a match day. After yoga and a gym session, Kohli went on to score a double century and hit the gym again post-match. Patil said the encounter inspired him to start working out at 60. Kohli’s relentless routine and clean diet have redefined fitness in Indian cricket, turning discipline into a lifestyle.

When Virat Kohli says fitness is a lifestyle, not a phase, he means it. For years, the cricketing world has marvelled at his unwavering discipline, early morning yoga, clean eating, and gruelling workout sessions. But even for veterans who have seen decades of cricketing greatness, Kohli’s commitment remains a revelation.

Recently, former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil who was a player in the winning team of 1983 Cricket World Cup, shared an inspiring story on Haal Chaal Aur Sawaal with Ashish Kaushik, revealing how one unforgettable morning in the West Indies changed his perspective on fitness forever.

A 5 am lesson from Kohli

Patil recalled that during India’s 2016 tour of the West Indies, he and his wife went for an early morning walk on the beach in Antigua. “It was pitch dark, and I noticed a shadow sitting quietly. As I went closer, it was Virat doing yoga — at five in the morning, on a match day,” he shared in the interview.

That day, Kohli didn’t stop there. After yoga, he spent 45 minutes at the gym, had breakfast, and went on to score a double century in the Test match. “When he returned to the hotel after the day’s play, he went back to the gym again,” Patil added, still sounding awed by Kohli’s energy.

The incident didn’t just leave him amazed — it motivated him to act. “Virat told me, ‘Sandeep bhai, you have a nice height and personality; you should start working out.’ So, for the first time in my life, I went to the gym. I was 60 then,” he said with a laugh.

You Might Also Like:

At 37, what is Virat Kohli's health mantra for ageless fitness: He eats same type of meals everyday

The philosophy behind Kohli’s discipline

Virat Kohli’s fitness revolution has reshaped Indian cricket’s culture. According to a Star Sports report, his transformation began around 2012 when he realised that elite performance required as much attention to fitness as to technique. Since then, his day typically includes yoga, strength training, cardio, and a plant-forward diet designed to keep him agile and lean.

In interviews, Kohli has often said that “discipline beats motivation.” He follows a simple and repetitive meal plan, eating mostly steamed or boiled food seasoned with only salt, pepper, and lime. “I can eat the same meal three times a day for six months,” he once revealed. His fitness philosophy goes beyond the gym — it’s a mindset of consistency and restraint. “Food is the toughest part of fitness because it’s a mental game,” he told Star Sports, explaining how his diet and training balance keeps him strong well into his late thirties.

For someone like Sandeep Patil, once India’s chief selector, to take his first gym session at 60 speaks volumes about Kohli’s influence. Patil’s story mirrors that of countless fans and fellow cricketers who see Kohli as more than a player; he’s become a symbol of self-discipline, longevity, and evolution.

You Might Also Like:

Rs 318 for rice, Rs 118 for tandoori roti, inside Virat Kohli's Mumbai restaurant. He converted Kishore Kumar's bungalow to open first outlet in city

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

...moreless

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

...moreless

Ageing tech, missed upgrades: Delhi airport system crash was waiting to happen

Yes Bank’s bailout investors reaped it rich: Will AT1 bond owners get their due?

How Akasa plans to get its share of the sky despite IndiGo-Air India duopoly

Infosys vs. Cognizant: The sequel no one saw coming

Stock Radar: Astral stock breaks out from Ascending Triangle pattern; stock showing signs of momentum after 16% drop

F&O Radar | Deploy Bear Put Spread in Nifty for weekly expiry to hedge against downside risk in index

1

2

3

Click here to read article