'He is always out there first and leaves last' - Josh Hazlewood lauds RCB teammate Virat Kohli's fitness regime

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood opened up about his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Virat Kohli and the qualities that make the former Indian skipper successful, and lauded Kohli's work ethics. The Indian star batter was in excellent form for RCB in IPL 2023, amassing 639 runs in 14 games at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82.

He finished fourth on the Orange Cap list and was the second-leading run-scorer for his side after skipper Faf du Plessis. Kohli racked up back-to-back hundreds in his final two outings in this year's tournament, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Gujarat Titans, but RCB missed out on the Playoffs on the final day of league stage.

When questioned about sharing the dressing room with Kohli over the past couple of years, the Australian quick mentioned that the Indian batter's work ethic sets him apart from the rest. Hazlewood praised the 34-year-old's fitness and other game aspects, noting that when it pertains to training, Kohli is one of the earliest to arrive and one of the last to head out.

"I think it’s probably how hard he works that stands out. His fitness first of all and then his skill work and batting and fielding in particular. He is always out there (training) first and leaves last and the intensity he trains at all the time is at such a high level it drags everyone else along for the ride. That can leak on to the other players and improve them as well,” Hazlewood told the ICC.

Hazlewood provides major boost to Australia ahead of WTC Final

With the Australian pacer rejoining the camp and recovering full fitness, Hazlewood and Kohli are all set to face off in the ICC World Test Championship 2023 final. They've had their clashes over the years, with Hazlewood dismissing Kohli three times although the former RCB skipper averages an impressive 55.70 against the Aussie pacer.

Meanwhile, the WTC 2023 Final between India and Australia is all set to begin from June 7 and will be played at The Oval in London. This is one of the most prestigious events in the world of cricket. The championship is an open opportunity for the top test-playing nations to become the No. 1 Test side and clinch the Test mace.