HYDERABAD — Widely regarded as one of the finest athletic fielders in modern cricket, Virat Kohli continues to set the benchmark for work ethic and commitment on the field. Former India fielding coach T Dilip recently opened up about what makes the former Indian captain a true powerhouse, emphasizing that Kohli's intensity remains absolute regardless of the stage or situation.
Speaking on a video featured by Star Sports, Dilip explained that Kohli’s impact on the field goes far beyond standard catches and dives. According to the coach, Kohli’s mindset raises the standard for everyone sharing the pitch with him.
"When it comes to Virat Kohli, intensity is non-negotiable," Dilip remarked. "You have seen in the powerplay how he is right at the batsman at covers or short mid-wicket with his reflexes, his dives, and his sharp stops. Even in recent series, he was constantly diving around and staying sharp."
Focusing Beyond the Ball
While highlight reels often capture stunning reflex catches and boundary-line saves, Dilip pointed out that Kohli’s true leadership manifests in the subtle, unseen efforts away from the main action.
“What impressed me most is not just what he does when the ball is hit toward him, but what he does when the ball is away from him,” Dilip explained. “You will see him sprint toward the non-striker’s end to back up a throw and return it cleanly to the wicketkeeper.”
Dilip emphasized that even in the latter stages of games—or deep into his illustrious career—Kohli maintains the same frantic work rate. Whether positioned on the boundary during the death overs or running down loose balls, his enthusiasm never wanes.
"Even at this juncture of his career, he goes out to long-on in the final overs and is the first one running out to support the play. That is a fabulous habit to have as a team," Dilip added.
A Contagious Standards-Setter
For Dilip, one of Kohli’s greatest contributions to Indian cricket is his ability to elevate those around him. By maintaining identical standards during intense match situations and routine net sessions, Kohli sets an undeniable benchmark for the rest of the squad.
“The intensity is always contagious when he is around. With Virat, there is practically no difference between how he approaches a practice session and an actual match,” Dilip noted. “That is immensely important because it isn't just Virat fielding out there—there are five other players around him who stretch their limits simply by being on the field with him. That is the real influence he brings to the group.”
End of a Historic Coaching Stint
Dilip, who joined the Indian coaching setup in November 2021, recently stepped down from his post after an exceptional multi-year tenure. Under his guidance, India’s fielding unit underwent a noticeable culture shift, prioritizing agility, rapid boundary coverage, and proactive backing up.
During Dilip's time with the national side, Team India enjoyed a stellar run across international tournaments, lifting the T20 World Cup titles in 2024 and 2026, securing the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and winning back-to-back Asia Cup titles in 2023 and 2025. India also finished as runners-up in the home 2023 ODI World Cup during a memorable era of athletic excellence.
