Let us not merely lament the retirement of a cricketing colossus, Virat Kohli but look beyond the centuries and celebrations—to the quieter revolutions he sparked in our gyms and grooming aisles. His on-field feats and exultations have been celebrated in tomes. Today, let’s explore an equally impactful legacy he leaves behind – fitness and grooming.
Back in the early 2000s, the prevailing norm was a clean-shaven look sometimes with moustache. Gradually, that evolved into a light stubble, championed by Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, became a style statement—a “shadow beard” suggesting rebellion within the bounds of grooming. It was a pivotal moment. The grooming industry took note, and by 2025, it’s expected to grow at 12.1% year-on-year, according to the IMARC Group.
Then came 2010. Virat arrived. Slowly shedding his baby fat, he began his ascent—not just in runs but in redefining the archetype of an Indian cricketer.
Trend One: Fitness First.
Virat made physical fitness non-negotiable. Today, you can’t dream of donning the Indian jersey without acing the yo-yo test. Thanks to him, athleticism isn’t an advantage—it’s a prerequisite.”
Two: The Beard.
A crisp, well-defined beard appeared on Kohli’s face—and a nation of youth followed suit. Overnight, the beard became a cricketing accessory. Aspiring players, whether destined for Ranji or the IPL, began mimicking the look, some despite their facial hair having other ideas. It even spilled into weddings—grooms were expected to don beards, to the dismay of parents who yearned for their sons to at least shave on their big day.
Then in 2021 came the stylish actor, Allu Arjun with colossal pan-India blockbuster ‘Pushpa’. Wild hair, unkempt beard and a swagger that could bend rules. A new trend was born. Thankfully, it hasn’t yet gate-crashed into wedding albums. Perhaps we need a cricketing demigod to make this “rugged rawness” acceptable in nuptial portraits. (tongue very much in cheek)
But fashion, like form, is ever-changing. The cycle of trends is spinning faster than ever.
And now, a new face—or shall we say faces—of Indian cricket are emerging. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Sai Sudharsan, Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Surya Vamshi (sensation of IPL 2025 season is yet to grow tender beard or moustache) … the list grows. These men are razor-sharp—both in their cover drives, lofted shots and jawlines. They are clean-shaven, not even indulging in a moustache. Minimalism is in. As Kohli exits the mirror reflects a new face of Indian cricket—bare, bold and crystal clear.
Are we witnessing the dawn of a new trend? I believe we are.