Kohli: “My personality reflects the new India” in cricket

Virat Kohli: A Leader Who Embodies the New India in Cricket

The renowned cricketer, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, he identifies as a representative of a “new India”, which faces all challenges with courage. The reception Kohli has received in Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations are only talking about Kohli and the impact his absence will have on the three test matches he will not play.

“Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.”

Greg Chappell

Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli affirmed. “My personality and my character I think are a representation of the new India. That’s how I see it. I don’t see it as a comparison to the Australian mentality or anything like that.” “For me, it’s how we’ve started to show our face as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been like this from day one. This is for me a representation of the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity and make sure we are prepared for any challenge that comes our way.” Kohli also acknowledged that Australia, as a country, embraces those who do well on its soil. “I’ve been touring this place for many years and it’s a wonderful place to play cricket,” Kohli said. “When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the public. Obviously, there will be anticipation and conversation around wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit [Bumrah]. Last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I’ve been coming here for many years.”

For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was also the highlight of our last tour. That’s where our focus remains. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well we can perform as a team here.” Knowing the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli hog all the attention. That’s true for the man who will take over the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once he’s gone. “We’ve had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We’ve had great batting partnerships together, which are based on trust and understanding of what’s needed for the team. Jinks has done a tremendous job in the two practice matches. He seems very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things.” “Actually, the way we’ve played our cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine, where I strategize and put things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. You know the squad we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” “I’m sure he’ll also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus is on the time I’m here to provide the captaincy and leadership and performances as a player as best I can and, from then on, I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”