New Delhi, Aug. 18, 2025 – Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has showered high praise on Virat Kohli, describing him as a once-in-a-generation cricketer whose influence on Indian cricket will last for the next century. Speaking on the Unplugged podcast, Rayudu said Kohli’s legacy extends far beyond his batting records, pointing to the cultural shift he brought in fitness and professionalism.
Rayudu, who played alongside Kohli for India as well as in the Indian Premier League (IPL), said the former captain transformed the fitness culture in Indian cricket. “The kind of things he has done for Indian cricket, I don’t think anyone else has. His value is something people don’t always realize. It’s not just about his batting, it’s about fitness. Before him, some players were naturally fit, but he raised the entire system to another level,” Rayudu explained.
Highlighting Kohli’s role as a trailblazer, Rayudu added, “Virat Kohli has given Indian cricket the next 100 years in which the team will dominate. What he started is extraordinary. He combined skill with fitness, and once you are fit, you become mentally sharper and execute better on the field. This has had a huge impact, especially in Test cricket.”
Despite praising Kohli’s contributions, Rayudu expressed disappointment over Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket earlier this year. According to him, the former Indian skipper still had plenty to offer in the longest format. “In my opinion, he took it too early, 100 percent. He should have played this series against England, and a lot more beyond that. Fitness-wise, I don’t think even half the players today are fitter than him,” Rayudu said.
Rayudu also reflected on Kohli’s personal journey, emphasizing that happiness matters more than records or wealth. “I just hope he is happy. People often assume that if someone has hundreds of runs, or money, then they are automatically happy. But eventually, it’s about inner happiness. That’s what I wish for him,” he concluded.
Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins, is the country’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs and among the greatest cricketers of the modern era. With Rayudu’s words, the spotlight once again falls on the impact he has had in reshaping the standards of Indian cricket, both on and off the field.
