Punjab Kings Cricketer Lauds Virat Kohli’s “Machine-Like” Work Ethic

Virat Kohli has always set a benchmark for fitness, and now a Punjab Kings star has weighed in on the same.

Punjab Kings Cricketer Lauds Virat Kohli’s “Machine-Like” Work Ethic

Shashank Singh praised Virat Kohli, and called him his fitness idol for his 'machine-like' work ethic. (via India Today)

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IPL star and Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh spoke about his high admiration for Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli, praising his impressive, ‘machine-like’ work ethic and fitness levels. Singh stated that he looks up to the former India captain when it comes to fitness and training.

A late bloomer in his career, Shashank Singh’s story has been an inspiring one. The 33-year-old was first picked up in the IPL to represent Delhi Daredevils during the 2017 season. However, he failed to break into the first team at DD, which was followed by another season on the bench with Rajasthan Royals. Only during the 2022 season did Shashank get his first proper opportunity, finishing with 10 appearances.

The player found himself in the middle of a mix-up during the 2024 IPL auction, after Punjab Kings acquired his services for INR 20 lakhs. Once the bidding was over, PBKS officials surprisingly clarified that they had confused him with another player of the same name. Amidst the social media trolling, Shashank took the opportunity to showcase his best, scoring 354 runs in 14 matches at an average of 44.25 in 2024.

Such was the impact that the Chattisgarh batter was among the three players to be retained by PBKS ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. During the 2025 season, he scored 350 runs in 17 matches, even guiding PBKS to its first IPL final after a decade.

Most recently, the 33-year-old talked about his physical well-being in an interview with Crictracker. He revealed that when it comes to fitness, he considers former India captain and RCB icon Virat Kohli his idol.

Shashank Singh explained that he admires Kohli’s work ethic, having seen him practice closely, and also having learnt of his training regimen from his friends. Singh praised the 36-year-old’s mindset, stating that he works out ‘like a machine’ every day.

He added that this singular focus on fitness may be the key to Kohli’s longevity and continued success, even as he nears the end of his illustrious career. Singh told Crictracker in an interview:

If we talk about work ethic, Virat [Kohli] bhai is someone I have seen and heard about from a lot of friends who are playing in India… He is like a machine. He works like a machine.

Shashank and Virat came face-to-face during the 2025 IPL final. Chasing a difficult target of 191 runs set by RCB, Shashank Singh fought valiantly for PBKS, scoring an impressive 61 off just 30 balls. However, his team ultimately fell short of a historic first IPL triumph.

Shashank Singh Names RCB Legend As His Cricketing Idol, and It’s Not Virat Kohli

While Shashank Singh might have named former Indian captain Virat Kohli as his fitness idol, when it comes to his cricketing idol, the 33-year-old had different throughts. Interestingly, Singh picked former South African batting great AB de Villiers as his idol. 

Shashank Singh on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers
Shashank Singh picked AB de Villiers over Virat Kohli as his cricketing idol. (via NDTV Sports)

AB de Villiers is one of the greatest overseas players to have featured in the IPL. The ex-South African captain joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2011, a decision which transformed his IPL journey. He retired as the eighth-highest run-getter in IPL history, having scored 5,162 runs in 184 matches, at an average of 39.71 and a strike-rate of 151.69, hitting 40 half-centuries and three centuries. 

33-year-old Shashank Singh shared that he once told de Villiers how much he admired him during a past interaction. The PBKS star also talked about emulating the RCB icon, while noting that he had always considered de Villiers as his icon since his formative playing days. Furthermore, he also showered praise on the former Proteas star’s mindset, intention, as well as his ability to play innovative shots. 

I like AB de Villiers a lot. I always consider him my idol. Especially the way he used to play white ball… And I had an interview with him, the way he talked, I felt that I wanted to be like him.

Nonetheless, Shashank Singh is now getting prepared for the upcoming domestic season, where is all set to represent Chattisgarh. The 33-year-old will be vying for a spot in the Indian T20I side after two good IPL seasons, having made him one of the country’s best finishers. 

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