New Delhi: Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday was quite candid about various aspects of his cricketing career and personal life during an Instagram live chat with former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.

Making some intresting revelations about his favourite batting partners to how was he nicknamed 'Cheeku', Kohli also opened up on the reason behind him turning into a vegetarian from 2018 onwards.

Kohli revealed that he developed a cervical spine issue during India's tour of South Africa in 2018. He also realised that he had an acidic stomach and that it pulled calcium out of his bones which aggravated his spine issue. It was then when he left eating meat and became a vegan.

"I had a cervical spine issue which resulted in a tingling sensation in my little finger making it difficult for me to bat. It happened around the Centurion Test in South Africa in 2018. Moreover, my stomach became a bit acidic, my uric acid went high and my stomach started pulling calcium from the bones which actually resulted in the spine issue. Hence, I had to cut down on meat and now I feel better than ever," said Kohli.

Speaking to Pietersen during an Instagram live, Kohli also spoke abouthis passion for Test cricket, the lowest point of his career, how he turned into a vegan and how much he is filled with gratitude for being able to live a comfortable life during a global crisis like COVID-19.
Asked which is his favourite format, the Indian skipper emphatically replied: "Test cricket, Test cricket, Test cricket, Test cricket and Test cricket.

I have said it five times. "

"Because it is the representation of life. Whether you get runs or not, you have to clap when others are batting. You have to go back to your room, get up and come the next day.