In terms of fitness, Virat Kohli has even surpassed Novak Djokovic: RCB strength and conditioning coach

New Delhi: Over the years, Indian cricket fans have not only witnessed a drastic transformation in Virat Kohli's batting but also his fitness.

The Delhi batsman's progression from 'cheeku' to 'chiseled' is truly inspiring.

The fitness bug bit the 27-year-old so hard that he even invested Rs 90 crore to set up a gym chain.

More evidence of the physical side his Kohli's game was witnessed during the recently concluded ICC WT20.

Virat's running between the wickets, converting ones into twos, even induced fumbles from the famed Australian fielders.

In recent years, benchmark for sporting fitness has been set by World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic.

The Serb has been lauded for his athleticism on the court and his stamina to outlast opponents in grueling five-set matches.

However, if Royal Challengers Bangalore's strength and conditioning coach, Shankar Basu, is to be believed, Kohli has even surpassed Djokovic when it comes to training and fitness.

"Virat Kohli is a total professional cricketer right from the way he eats and trains to the way he takes care of his body. I have seen him and his transition from the U-19 level and he has taken fitness to another level. I have always told him that Novak Djokovic should be his target. Now, I feel that Djokovic should be targeting Kohli, he definitely has some catching-up to do," he told the Times of India on Friday.

One wonders what Kohli feels after this compliment from Basu. Nonetheless, the RCB skipper will only be further motivated to achieve greater fitness goals going forward.