Sunil Chhetri, Virat Kohli - A brilliant camaraderie of fitness

Former Indian football star Sunil Chhetri lavished praise on cricket icon Virat Kohli, calling him a genuinely nice individual with a knack for making people laugh. Chhetri and Kohli share a unique and heartwarming bond, built on their shared commitment to fitness, their unparalleled dedication to their respective sports, and their love for India. The camaraderie between the two has often been evident in their interactions, making their relationship a celebrated one among sports enthusiasts. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Chhetri highlighted Kohli's exceptional qualities, emphasizing that his combination of humility and charisma is rare in today’s world of professional sports.

According to Chhetri, Kohli’s dedication to his craft and his ability to remain grounded despite his immense success make him a standout personality both on and off the field. The football legend also noted Kohli’s impact as an athlete who sets high standards of performance and professionalism. Their friendship, forged through mutual admiration and shared values, exemplifies the mutual respect that elite athletes often share.

"Yeah, these are similarities. And I like him. He's genuinely somebody who's a nice guy. It's very rare nowadays to find someone who's genuinely nice. He's utterly funny. He can crack anyone up," Sunil Chhetri said.

"When you see him on the pitch, on the ground, you see a distinctly different personality as compared to others. Look at his longevity. Look at the way he runs between the wickets. Look at the way he applies himself. Talent is one thing, but if he doesn't take care of himself, which he does tremendously well, he will not be able to do what he's doing. I mean, when did you see him last not giving his best or not being fit? Making runs and not making runs is a different part," he added.

In early 2024, Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football, marking the end of a remarkable 19-year career. His final appearance for India was against Kuwait in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium on June 6. Chhetri began his professional journey in 2002 with Mohun Bagan and became a cornerstone of Indian football. He led India to victories in the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup, the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 SAFF Championships, and the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which secured India’s first AFC Asian Cup qualification in 27 years.

The Indian legend scored 94 goals in 150 international matches, placing him fourth on the all-time international goal scorers' list. Among his numerous accolades, Chhetri received the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri in 2019, and became the first footballer to earn the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.