VVS Laxman calls Virat Kohli a 'great role model'

VVS Laxman calls Virat Kohli a 'great role model' (Image: BCCI) Former India batter and current BCCI Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman has praised Virat Kohli for setting exceptional standards throughout his illustrious career, describing the legendary batter as an “exemplary professional” and a role model for the next generation. Laxman highlighted Kohli's relentless commitment to maintaining high standards whenever he takes the field, saying his professionalism is one of the key reasons why so many young cricketers look up to him. 'Virat is an exemplary professional' Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, Laxman said Kohli consistently pushes himself to meet the standards he has set throughout his career. “I think there is no doubt that Virat is an exemplary professional. And the standards he sets for himself are something which he tries and goes out every time he plays (for) whichever team to meet those standards,” VVS said. Laxman believes that attitude has made Kohli much more than an accomplished cricketer. “And that's why he is a great role model. And I think a lot of youngsters or players want to emulate him,” he added. Numbers that reflect Kohli’s longevity Kohli's career numbers underline the remarkable consistency he has maintained across formats. The former India captain has scored 28,359 international runs in 562 matches, with 85 centuries and 148 fifties. His highest international score is an unbeaten 254. In Test cricket, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries, at an average of 46.85. His ODI record has been even more prolific. In 314 matches, Kohli scored 14,941 runs at an extraordinary average of 58.59, with 54 centuries and 75 fifties, making him one of the most successful batters in the history of the format. He also represented India in 125 T20Is, scoring 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69, including a century. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met Laxman at the CoE in Bengaluru on Sunday to take stock of the rehabilitation and injury-management programme. For the BCCI, the concern is not merely the number of players unavailable but also whether the timelines communicated by the CoE have consistently matched the expectations of the selectors. Laxman, however, maintained that the process is centred on continuous assessment and communication rather than assigning blame when a player suffers a setback.