Goa, Aug. 3 -- Virat Kohli's rise as one of cricket's fittest athletes began with a simple moment of self-realisation rather than an elaborate fitness plan. During India's 2011 tour of Australia, a young Kohli enjoyed a hearty dinner at a Thai restaurant in Canberra before walking back to the team hotel with batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. Reflecting on the meal, Kohli admitted, "Enough is enough. I need to start taking my fitness seriously."

Years later, ahead of Kohli's 100th Test in 2022, Tendulkar recalled the conversation in a BCCI tribute, praising the former India captain for following through on his promise. Tendulkar said Kohli had left "no stone unturned" in his pursuit of fitness and had become a role model through his dedica...