“Talent Isn’t Enough”: Shastri Tells Gill to Follow Kohli’s Relentless Discipline

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged young captain Shubman Gill to emulate Virat Kohli’s legendary “single-mindedness” and relentless work ethic if he wants to reach the pinnacle of international cricket. Speaking ahead of India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, Shastri emphasized that while Gill possesses immense talent, it is the discipline and obsession with the “little things” that separate good players from all-time greats.

Shastri highlighted Kohli’s daily routine as the cornerstone of his extraordinary success, describing it as a consistent, non-negotiable commitment to fitness, technique, and mental preparation. “It is a routine,” Shastri said. “Virat doesn’t just show up; he lives it every single day. The gym, the nets, the diet, the recovery—everything is planned and executed with single-minded focus. That’s what separates him.”

The former coach pointed out that Kohli’s greatness is built on years of unseen hard work—obsessive attention to detail, tireless training sessions, and an unwavering refusal to settle for average. Shastri advised Gill, who has taken over leadership duties in white-ball cricket, to adopt a similar approach to elevate his consistency and longevity at the highest level.

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Gill, already regarded as one of India’s brightest talents, has shown flashes of brilliance with the bat, but Shastri believes emulating Kohli’s mindset will be key to unlocking his full potential. The message comes at a crucial time, with Gill shouldering greater responsibility as India’s white-ball captain and looking to build on his strong performances in recent series.

Shastri’s words serve as both a compliment to Kohli’s enduring legacy and a clear roadmap for the next generation. With the ODI series against New Zealand providing another platform for Gill to showcase his leadership and batting prowess, the young captain will be keen to prove that he is taking the advice to heart. As India continues its quest for dominance in limited-overs cricket, the emphasis on discipline and obsession remains a recurring theme from one of the game’s most successful coaches.

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