India, May 13 -- Amid the torrent of runs Virat Kohli scored in all conditions, won India matches from tough situations and achieved success as Test captain, the biggest impact he has left even beyond Indian cricket is the fitness culture he initiated.

It one area where India players used to lag behind when up against South Africa, England, Australia or New Zealand (SENA). After he decided to take the fitness plunge early in his career, with focus on diet and workouts, Kohli became a role model. He inspired the dressing room and that gave India the edge on the field. The team got fitter, faster and agile, and began competing better with players from these SENA countries.

India's former strength and conditioning coach Shankar Basu was th...