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When it comes to fitness, very few names dominate conversations in Indian cricket, and Virat Kohli is almost always the first to be mentioned. The modern-day great has redefined fitness standards for Indian players, setting an example with his discipline, strict diet, and supreme athleticism on the field. Kohli’s emphasis on fitness has inspired a cultural shift within Indian cricket, with many youngsters adopting the same mindset. However, former Australian speedster Brett Lee believes there is another cricketer who deserves equal, if not more, recognition when it comes to fitness.

Brett Lee picks the fittest Indian cricketer

Lee, who has faced some of the best athletes during his international career, singled out Ravindra Jadaja as the fittest player in the Indian squad. Despite being 36 years old, Jadeja continues to be a tireless performer for India in all three formats of the game. His unmatched fielding skills, ability to bowl long spells, and quick running between the wickets make him a complete package.

“The term we like to use, factory-made cricketer. He has everything that a cricketer needs, and I think he ticks every single box. He does the basics right, he’s got a simple technique, no fuss. He runs in and bowls accurately, he bowls the correct line and length when needed, and gets through his overs quickly. 36 years of age, but the fittest. He’s the fittest in the team, he covers a lot of ground, and he prides himself on being the fittest. That is probably the reason why he never shies away from those big moments. He likes to be in the game, he’s an entertainer, and if you put everything into a mix, Jadeja will be at the top of the list,” said Lee as quoted by India Today.

Lee on why the star player will soon reach a major milestone

Apart from praising his fitness, Lee also spoke about Jadeja’s consistency and his contribution as one of the finest all-rounders in modern cricket. The former pacer believes that Jadeja is just a few matches away from joining an elite club of Indian cricketers.

“Another sort of 15 Tests, it’s about two years. I think he’ll go past the 100 mark. I think he’s one of the best all-rounders that we’ve seen. At 36 years of age, he’s still got a good couple of years left in him,” Lee predicted.

Jadeja, who has already established himself as one of India’s greatest fielders and a match-winner with both bat and ball, continues to defy age with his fitness and energy. If Lee’s words are anything to go by, fans can expect to see the all-rounder making big contributions for India for a few more years to come.