Yoga at 5 am, gym, double hundred in a match, then gym again: Virat Kohli's daily routine inspires famous cricketer to go to gym for first time at age of 60

written by Atharva Jori

When Virat Kohli says fitness is a lifestyle, not a phase, he means it. For years, the cricketing world has marvelled at his unwavering discipline, early morning yoga, clean eating, and gruelling workout sessions. But even for veterans who have seen decades of cricketing greatness, Kohli’s commitment remains a revelation. Recently, former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil who was a player in the winning team of 1983 Cricket World Cup, shared an inspiring story on Haal Chaal Aur Sawaal with Ashish Kaushik, revealing how one unforgettable morning in the West Indies changed his perspective on fitness forever. A 5 am lesson from Kohli Patil recalled that during India’s 2016 tour of the West Indies, he and his wife went for an early morning walk on the beach in Antigua. “It was pitch dark, and I noticed a shadow sitting quietly. As I went closer, it was Virat doing yoga — at five in the morning, on a match day,” he shared in the interview. That day, Kohli didn’t stop there. After yoga, he spent 45 minutes at the gym, had breakfast, and went on to score a double century in the Test match. “When he returned to the hotel after the day’s play, he went back to the gym again,” Patil added, still sounding awed by Kohli’s energy. The incident didn’t just leave him amazed — it motivated him to act. “Virat told me, ‘Sandeep bhai, you have a nice height and personality; you should start working out.’ So, for the first time in my life, I went to the gym. I was 60 then,” he said with a laugh. The philosophy behind Kohli’s discipline Virat Kohli’s fitness revolution has reshaped Indian cricket’s culture. According to a Star Sports report, his transformation began around 2012 when he realised that elite performance required as much attention to fitness as to technique. Since then, his day typically includes yoga, strength training, cardio, and a plant-forward diet designed to keep him agile and lean. In interviews, Kohli has often said that “discipline beats motivation.” He follows a simple and repetitive meal plan, eating mostly steamed or boiled food seasoned with only salt, pepper, and lime. “I can eat the same meal three times a day for six months,” he once revealed. His fitness philosophy goes beyond the gym — it’s a mindset of consistency and restraint. “Food is the toughest part of fitness because it’s a mental game,” he told Star Sports, explaining how his diet and training balance keeps him strong well into his late thirties.