Manpreet Singh, one of India’s most recognisable figures in hockey, has spoken about the recurring comparisons fans make between Indian hockey players and cricketers—especially when it comes to fitness tests. The former Olympian also revealed that he would like to bring Virat Kohli and the entire Royal Challengers Bengaluru set-up into a shared training challenge, alongside players from the Indian hockey squad, to settle the discussion with action rather than debate.
Manpreet’s idea: a joint Yo-Yo-style competition
When asked about the idea of facing Kohli in a fitness-focused drill or Yo-Yo test, Manpreet said he wants to organise a session that includes Kohli and the complete RCB group. He added that the plan would also involve hockey players from India, framing it as a mutual training meet rather than a one-sided comparison.
“Obviously. We want to invite Virat and the entire RCB team to come and do a training session with us. We will compete against each other,” Manpreet said.
Cricket is tough too: the ball doesn’t wait
During the conversation, the interviewer suggested that hockey athletes might have an advantage in fitness because of the nature of their sport. Manpreet, however, stressed that cricket demands its own kind of physical and mental sharpness, pointing to the speed and pressure of the game.
- He highlighted that cricket is equally demanding because the ball arrives extremely fast.
- Manpreet noted that if cricket players were asked to bat, it would also be a challenge due to the pace and intensity of deliveries.
- He referenced that the ball can come in at around 150 kph, describing that as difficult in its own right.
Manpreet further explained that the requirements are not identical across sports. “His game’s requirement is different and ours is too. His is about eye contact, batting, position and other things,” he added.
Why the comparison matters—and why it doesn’t need a winner
Manpreet’s comments underscored respect between athletes from two different disciplines, rather than claiming one sport automatically has a fitness superiority. Hockey is typically associated with sustained endurance, constant movement, and high-tempo action. Cricket, on the other hand, places a premium on explosive reactions and precise hand-eye coordination.
The hockey star also pointed to a wider context: over time, Kohli has emerged as one of India’s most influential fitness figures. His transformation and strong emphasis on conditioning have helped shape how fitness is approached in cricket, motivating younger players to take preparation more seriously.
If a combined training session involving Kohli, RCB players, and the Indian hockey team does happen, it would create an intriguing crossover between two major sporting worlds—while also reminding viewers that elite performance is built on sport-specific skills.
Kohli’s IPL 2026 form with RCB
At present, Kohli is actively playing in IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The franchise are leading the points table and have already booked their place in the playoffs.
With the bat, Kohli has been in strong form, and he is currently RCB’s leading run-getter of the season. He has scored 542 runs in 13 matches, averaging 54.20 while striking at 164.74.
