'Had to calm him down': Ravi Shastri reveals how Virat Kohli’s passion made him lose his temper at teammates’ errors

Ravi Shastri lifts the lid on Virat Kohli’s competitive streak

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri spoke candidly about Virat Kohli's intensity when he was captain. Shastri revealed that he also had to intervene to help Kohli relax during games.

“At times, I had to calm him down. If a wicket went down, he would jump out of his seat. I would say, ‘Calm down. Let him cross halfway at least. Don’t meet him when he’s just 10 yards away from the stumps, you know. Come near the boundary line, then cross him.’ He was like a cat on a hot tin roof, ready to get out there and punch him. That’s Virat for you,” Shastri said on the LiSTNR Sport podcast.

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Having retired from both Test and T20I matches, Kohli will participate in the forthcoming ODI series against Australia, which begins on October 19.

According to Shastri, Kohli was a leader who expected his teammates to be very committed and fit and his passion for the game frequently caused him to lose his temper when he witnessed any of his teammates making blunders.

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“If you’re running between the wickets, and if you’re a lazy bugger, you will soon find out. If you are looking for a second run and if you’re panting, and if he’s looking for a third and you’re yet to complete the second, immediately the message would be like, ‘Get to that bloody gym and start training, and get fitter,'” Shastri added.

Kohli last played for India during the successful Champions Trophy campaign.