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Shardul Thakur is currently leading the Eagle Thane Strikers in the T20 Mumbai League 2026. After leading Eagle Thane Strikers to a thrilling 24-run win against Triumphs Knights MNE in match 18 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on June 9, Thakur has showered rich praise on Virat Kohli.
The seasoned all-rounder named his former Indian captain, Kohli, as a player who continues to inspire him the most in the world. Both players were recently seen in action in the IPL 2026, where Thakur was part of the Mumbai Indians (MI), while Kohli represented the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Shardul Thakur in awe of Virat Kohli’s fitness and discipline
Recently, Shardul Thakur shared that he would love to play alongside Kohli because of his ultimate fitness, discipline, and the way he keeps pushing himself even after so many years. Thakur said he is really impressed by how Kohli still stays so fit and sharp at this stage of his career.
The out-of-favor Indian all-rounder also feels it would be interesting to understand how the former Indian captain keeps himself motivated and never loses his hunger for runs despite already calling time on his Test and T20I career on a high.
Shardul Thakur said in the video, “I would want to play with Virat Kohli. Even at his current age, to be that fit is incredible. I really want to know how he motivates himself and keeps pushing forward.”
Shardul Thakur wants to play with Virat Kohli, admiring his incredible fitness even at his current age. He wishes to understand Kohli’s motivation. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/0TS4obpvmu
— Ekantashant (@MelbourneNT82) June 10, 2026
Virat Kohli’s fitness and form still inspire many
Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Kohli continues to remain one of the fittest athletes in the world. His incredibly lean physique, sharp movement, hunger for runs, unwavering confidence, agility, and explosive batting still inspire many across the world.
Even after retiring from Test and T20I formats, the dashing right-hander’s intensity and passion for the game have not dropped. Kohli once again proved his class by scoring 675 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 165.84 in the IPL 2026. He played a major role in helping RCB defend their title. Even, Virat Kohli recently topped list of India’s most valuable celebrities.
However, Thakur has taken 12 wickets in 9 matches for the Mumbai Indians; he was so expensive that the franchise had to drop him from the side. Yet, Mumbai failed to make it to the IPL 2026 playoffs. After the ordinary IPL 2026 season, Shardul Thakur was punished for an ugly on-field argument with the umpire.
Virat Kohli confirmed as key part of India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans
On the other hand, with the 2027 ODI World Cup still far away, talks 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 key in the big decision.
The repeated injuries, especially hamstring issues, could become a major concern for the former Indian captain. If Rohit faces another injury before the 2027 ODI World Cup after his hamstring injury during IPL 2026, it could seriously affect his chances, but Kohli is a sure shot for the event.
A sports journalist, Rahul Rawat, revealed, “Virat Kohli has been conveyed by the selectors directly that he is an integral part of ODI World Cup 2027 plans.”
