Kohli Maintains Top Form Playing Only One Format, Steyn Details His Routine

Virat Kohli silenced fitness doubters with a breathtaking 135 off 108 balls in the first ODI against South Africa on Monday, smashing 11 fours and seven sixes in a vintage display that propelled India to a commanding total. The knock came just weeks after Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket and relocated permanently to London with his family, prompting questions about how the 37-year-old plans to stay in peak physical condition while playing only white-ball cricket for India. South African pace legend Dale Steyn, part of the commentary panel, revealed details of a dinner-table conversation he had with Kohli the previous night that shed light on the superstar’s disciplined regimen.

Steyn recounted asking Kohli directly, “You play just one format now; what do you do?” Kohli’s reply was simple: “I live in London now.” According to Steyn, Kohli has access to world-class facilities at Lord’s and The Oval, regularly trains at the historic venues, and works closely with a dedicated personal trainer to maintain elite conditioning. “He has great facilities at Lord’s and at Surrey, and he goes to practice too. There’s a trainer he works with. He’s always well prepared,” Steyn said on Star Sports, adding that Kohli’s physique and mental sharpness remain “tip-top” because of this structured approach.

The former Proteas quick hailed Kohli as the epitome of professionalism. “He’s well aware of his game and how he goes about scoring runs. He comes in, joins the team, and is fully committed. That is what true professionals do,” Steyn said, pointing to Monday’s century as proof that Kohli’s methods are working perfectly. Kohli himself downplayed the need for excessive match practice, saying in the post-match presentation, “I’ve never been a believer in a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, and as long as my fitness levels are up, visualisation takes care of the rest.”

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Kohli’s London-based routine has effectively countered earlier murmurs from some quarters, including reports suggesting the BCCI wanted him to play domestic cricket to stay match-ready. His explosive return to form in the 50-over format—where he now carries India’s batting hopes alongside captain Rohit Sharma—has reaffirmed that age and reduced international exposure are no barriers when discipline and preparation remain non-negotiable.

With the three-match ODI series underway and the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Kohli’s century served as a statement: even while living thousands of kilometres away and training at Lord’s instead of Indian maidans, he remains as hungry and devastating as ever.

As Steyn put it, “When you look at him, he’s in tip-top condition all the time, mentally super strong.” For Indian cricket fans, that assurance from one fast-bowling great about another modern-day giant was music to the ears.

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