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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a heartfelt tribute, Suryakumar Yadav praised Virat Kohli for his exceptional leadership during India's victorious T20 World Cup campaign. Suryakumar shared that he had always aspired to train alongside Kohli from his early days in the team, driven by the high fitness standards set by the former Indian captain.

Virat Kohli's leadership was instrumental in India's second T20 World Cup win, culminating in a thrilling 7 run victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. Kohli’s farewell to the T20I format was marked by a match-winning performance, scoring 76 runs off 59 balls and earning the Player of the Match award. Announcing his retirement post-match, Kohli's exit was as grand as his illustrious career.

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Suryakumar highlighted Kohli's relentless energy and involvement with the team despite a rocky start to the tournament. “He is a powerhouse of energy on the ground, irrespective of his performance,” Suryakumar remarked. Kohli's commitment to team activities, practice sessions, and his unique leadership style left an indelible mark on the squad.

Reflecting on his debut year in 2022, Suryakumar revealed his desire to match Kohli's fitness regime. “When I made my debut, I did most of the batting with him during the bilateral series and then the World Cup. I realised that if I have to bat with Virat Kohli, I have to match his fitness because he takes two quick runs by pushing a ball in the gaps and then slams a four,” he explained.

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To align his training with Kohli's, Suryakumar requested the strength and conditioning coach, Soham Desai, to synchronize their schedules. “I told the coach to keep my training time along with his. Watching him train for those 40 minutes would make my sessions more productive, even on days when I wasn’t feeling up to it,” Suryakumar added.

Kohli’s final T20I match was a fitting testament to his extraordinary career, showcasing his unmatched skill and dedication. His influence on teammates like Suryakumar Yadav underscores his legacy as a leader who inspired through action and commitment. As India celebrates this historic victory, Kohli's departure from the T20I stage marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.