India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has recently opened up about his admiration for the cricket superstar Virat Kohli. Sunil Chhetri praised Virat Kohli’s relentless dedication and unmatched fitness amidst the controversy over his fitness tests done in London.
Kohli is yet to check in at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for the mandatory preseason fitness tests despite stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill already clearing the tests. Amidst this, a few reports suggested that Kohli underwent tests in London.
Sunil Chhetri reveals Virat Kohli underwent fitness tests in London
And now Sunil Chhetri’s statement has confirmed that these were not speculations. Chhetri confirmed that the former Indian captain underwent fitness tests in London and even shared some of them with him.
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The football legend was thrilled by Kohli’s discipline and drive, saying that being around such elite athletes keeps him motivated, especially during tough days.
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Sunil Chhetri said on the DesiPL podcast, “A few days back, he (Kohli) was sending me his scores of one of the tests he was doing. It is so addictive, and it is so good to know these kinds of people. On your bad days when you feel a bit lethargic, you see them and think, ‘Let’s go.’ When you are at the top, everyone wants to be a Virat Kohli or Ronaldo, and for these two to keep their place is unbelievable.”
Even Chhetri compared Kohli’s mentality to footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s, highlighting how both stars constantly push their limits instead of being satisfied with past achievements.
Sunil Chhetri compares Virat Kohli’s drive to Cristiano Ronaldo’s
Despite their unmatched success, they continue to strive for excellence, refusing to rest on their laurels. Chhetri further said, “The one common thing about these two (Ronaldo and Virat) is that they are just not happy with what they have already achieved. I tried in my whatever way to inculcate the same thing.”
The 41-year-old footballer noted that it is rare to see athletes at the top maintain such intensity and focus for so long. Both Kohli and Ronaldo have set new benchmarks in their respective sports, not just through talent but by staying hungry and committed every day.
Chhetri signed off by saying, “Whatever happened today, gaya (it is over). Otherwise, how do a Virat Kohli or Ronaldo get up and again be at their best? It is not easy. When you are successful for so long, when you have done so much, when you have won almost everything, to still get up and do what they are doing is unbelievable.”
Cristiano Ronaldo 🤝 Virat Kohli
Sunil Chhetri talks about the mentality he’s learnt from them.
Watch the full episode on the Premier League website or app.@ManUtd | @chetrisunil11 | @Cristiano | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/HcoW2F1xVj
— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) September 7, 2025
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BCCI faces backlash over special treatment for Virat Kohli
Notably, the BCCI is under the scanner after giving special treatment to Kohli. Critics are questioning why top players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Siraj had to travel to Bengaluru for fitness tests, while Kohli got the luxury of being examined in London.
Kohli retired from Test cricket earlier this year and from T20Is last year after winning the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, but he will remain active in ODIs. Even though he is away from the regular setup, Kohli is not slowing down, as he has been training hard in London, hitting the nets regularly and keeping his fitness sharp to be ready for the upcoming ODI series in Australia.
