Virat Kohli wants to emulate a fit Sachin Tendulkar at 40
Virat Kohli also says that the youngsters in Team India will not think twice before giving it back to the Australians, who are slated to play seven ODIs and a T20 here from next week.
He is one of the fittest athlete in the Indian team at the moment but star cricketer Virat Kohli finds Sachin Tendulkar the epitome of fitness and hopes to play with same vigour when he reaches the veteran batsman's current age of 40. (Read: Kohli set to surpass Dhoni, Sachin in endorsement earnings: Report)
"Hope I can play for the country for such a long span as Sachin (Tendulkar) has and remain as fit as he is. His fitness level is amazing. If I can achieve 60-70 per cent of what he has achieved so far in his career, I will be more than happy," said Kohli. (Read: IPL spot-fixing hurt the spirit of Indian cricket, Kohli tells NDTV)
"His hardwork is very inspiring for the younger generation," he told reporters at a function where his endorsement deal with the leading sportswear brand, Adidas was announced in New Delhi on Thursday.
Replying to a query, Kohli said South African speedsters - Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel - were the two most dangerous bowlers he has faced in his international career so far.
On his preparation for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia, Kohli said the hosts would not be taking their opposition lightly and remained upbeat about winning.
"The Australia series is going to be competitive. Even without injured Michael Clarke, they are a strong side. But I am confident about winning the series," the 24-year-old said.
Kohli said that the high-profile series might see some verbal duels between the players of the two sides as the young Indians are capable of giving it back to the Aussies in equal measure.
"We will reply from the bat first. We will play competitive cricket. The current lot doesn't like to listen too much. We will definitely get back at them," he insisted.