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Shardul Thakur is currently leading Eagle Thane Strikers in the T20 Mumbai League 2026. Thakur has been full of praise for Virat Kohli after he led Eagle Thane Strikers to a thrilling 24-run win against Triumphs Knights MNE in Match 18 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on June 9.
The experienced all-rounder described his former Indian captain Kohli as the player who inspires him the most in the world. Both the players were recently seen in action in IPL 2026, where Thakur was part of Mumbai Indians (MI), while Kohli represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Shardul Thakur is impressed by Virat Kohli’s fitness and discipline
Recently, Shardul Thakur shared that he would love to play with Kohli because of his excellent fitness, discipline and the way he keeps pushing himself even after so many years. Thakur said that he is really impressed by how Kohli remains so fit and agile even at this stage of his career.
The all-rounder, who is out of the Indian team, also feels that it would be interesting to understand how the former Indian captain keeps himself motivated and does not lose his hunger for runs despite his Test and T20 career already on a high.
Shardul Thakur said in the video, “I would like to play with Virat Kohli. It is incredible for him to be so fit even at his current age. I really want to know how he motivates himself and keeps moving forward.”
Shardul Thakur appreciates the incredible fitness of Virat Kohli even at his current age and wants to play with him. He wants to understand Kohli’s motivation. pic.twitter.com/0TS4obpvmu
– Solitude (@MelbourneNT82) June 10, 2026
Virat Kohli’s fitness and form still inspires many people.
Meanwhile, 37-year-old Kohli remains one of the fittest athletes in the world. His incredibly lean physique, fast pace, hunger for runs, unwavering confidence, agility and explosive batting still inspire many people around the world.
Even after retiring from the Test and T20I formats, the flamboyant right-hander has not lost any intensity and passion for the game. Kohli once again proved his class in IPL 2026 by scoring 675 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 165.84. He played an important role in RCB saving their title. Even, Virat Kohli has recently topped the list of India’s most valuable celebrities.
However, Thakur has taken 12 wickets in 9 matches for Mumbai Indians; He was so expensive that the franchise had to drop him from the team. Nevertheless, Mumbai failed to make it to the IPL 2026 playoffs. After a normal IPL 2026 season, Shardul Thakur was punished for an ugly on-field argument with the umpire.
Virat Kohli confirmed to be a key part of India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans
On the other hand, with the 2027 ODI World Cup still away, discussions have already started about whether Rohit Sharma and Kohli will be part of India’s plans for the mega event. It is being said that Rohit’s fitness, age and workload will be important in the big decision.
Frequent injuries, especially hamstring problems, could become a matter of major concern for the former Indian captain. If Rohit suffers another injury ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury during IPL 2026, it could seriously impact his chances, but Kohli is a sure shot for the event.
Rahul Rawat, a sports journalist, revealed, “Virat Kohli has been told straight away by the selectors that he is an integral part of the plans for the ODI World Cup 2027.”
