Australian national cricket team all-rounder Marcus Stoinis currently playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 recently opened up about his close friendship with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli. Their connection goes back to the Under-19 days when Kohli led India to win the World Cup in 2008. Stoinis shared how Kohli has set a remarkable example with his dedication and fitness inspiring cricketers worldwide.

marcus-stoinis-on-his-special-bond-with-virat-kohli-ipl-2025

During an interview Stoinis, who once played alongside Kohli for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was full of praise for his former teammate. He admired Kohli for breaking into a highly competitive Indian team at a young age and leading them to new heights.

“We’ve known each other for a long time," Stoinis said, as quoted by India Today. "We’ve got a mutual friend in Perth who’s known him for a while too. That’s how our relationship started. It’s been an amazing career for him, and it’s definitely not over yet.”

He continued, “It feels like Virat’s worn many hats during his career. He came in as the young guy, forced his way into the Indian team with so much confidence, and later on, he transformed the culture of Indian cricket. He’s inspired not just young cricketers in India but players around the world.”

Apart from his friendship with Kohli Stoinis also talked about India’s exciting pool of young cricketing talent. He highlighted how the Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped shape these players by putting them under pressure at an early stage in their careers.

“There’s incredible depth in Indian cricket, and it’s been that way for a long time,” he said. “But now, young players have this amazing platform in the IPL to showcase their skills on a global stage. They’re fearless, super confident, and it’s brilliant to see. This generation grew up with the IPL, so they’re used to playing under pressure, especially when they represent India.”