Vijay: Kohli's aggression was India's answer

Murali Vijay, a former Chennai Super Kings player, has lauded Virat Kohli's aggressive on-field demeanor, asserting that Kohli's fiery spirit was precisely what the Indian team needed to counter opposition tactics. Vijay reminisced about his experiences during India's 2018 tour of England, where he and other Indian batters faced aggressive exchanges from players like James Anderson and Michael Vaughan. He highlighted Kohli's unique ability to not only withstand such pressure but to retaliate effectively, stating, 'He gives it back ten folds.'

Beyond his confrontational style, Vijay emphasized Virat Kohli's pivotal role in initiating a significant fitness revolution within the Indian squad. As captain, Kohli instilled a culture of high physical standards, which Vijay believes was instrumental in the team's success. This renewed focus on fitness, according to Vijay, empowered the players and directly contributed to India achieving their first-ever Test series triumph on Australian soil in 2018.

The impact of Kohli's fitness drive was evident in the historic 2-1 Test series victory against Australia, a landmark achievement for Indian cricket. Vijay explained that Kohli's personal energy and conviction were key to convincing the entire team to embrace this elevated level of fitness, showcasing how one individual's commitment can foster widespread positive change and drive historical success.