Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, celebrates his 36th birthday today, and his impressive fitness levels are a key part of his continued success on the field. As he marks another year, the former Indian cricket captain took the opportunity to reveal the secrets behind his enviable fitness and healthy lifestyle.
Known for his discipline both on and off the field, Virat has always been particular about maintaining a healthy diet to stay in top shape. The cricketer has shared multiple times that his approach to food is far from indulgent. In a candid interview, Virat explained that he avoids deep-fried foods and heavy, masala-laden dishes, instead opting for steamed and boiled meals.
“90 percent of my food is all steamed or boiled. No masala. Only salt, pepper, and lime; that’s how I eat,” Kohli revealed. He also emphasized that he doesn’t obsess over the taste of his food but focuses on its nutritional value. “I am not a big fanatic about the taste of food, I don’t care about the taste. Salads, I enjoy with a bit of dressing. Pan-grilled is good with a bit of olive oil or whatever. No curries; I only eat dal, but no masala curries.”
Virat, who follows a vegetarian diet, credits much of his fitness success to consistency in both his diet and exercise routine. He pointed out that the biggest challenge for most people trying to stay fit is controlling their food cravings. For him, the challenge lay in overcoming the mental desire for unhealthy foods. “The biggest challenge that I felt in terms of fitness is food,” he said. “Because everyone can go to the gym and work hard, but with food, it is different because you have taste buds. It is linked to your mind wanting something and not wanting something.”
Virat’s secret to mastering this challenge? “I can eat the same thing for the next 6 months, 3 times a day. I have no issues at all.” His ability to stick to a regimented diet—despite any temptations—has helped him maintain peak performance throughout his career.
For Virat, fitness is not just about what you do in the gym but also about the mental discipline that comes with sticking to a strict routine. “When you start your fitness journey, you need to focus on things like vitamins, hydration, and protein,” he shared. Once these basics are in place, it’s all about repetition and finding the right balance. This approach, he believes, is key to achieving long-term fitness success.
