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

Virat Kohli: The Representative of the New India in Cricket

In an environment that evokes the Australian spirit, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most non-Australian Australian”. Instead, he identifies as a symbol of a “new India”, which stands firm in the face of any challenge. The reception that Kohli has had on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented, with cricket figures and media focusing on his impact and his absence in the upcoming matches.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, however, prefers to be true to himself.

“I have always been myself. My personality and character are a representation of the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison to the Australian mentality. It’s how we have begun to rise as the Indian cricket team. My personality has always been like this from day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.”

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledges the reception he receives in Australia when he performs well on the field. “I’ve been touring this place for many years and it’s a wonderful place to play cricket. When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the public. Obviously, there will be expectation and conversation around seeing you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I’ve been coming here for many years.”

Virat Kohli has several issues to address before the Test series.For the team, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of their last tour. The focus remains on that. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they can perform as a team here. Knowing the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. That’s true for the man who will take the reins of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised a similar intensity once he leaves.

“We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years. We have had great partnerships batting together, which are based on trust and understanding of what is needed for the team. Jinks has done a tremendous job in the two practice matches. He seems to be very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should approach things. The way we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It is a cultural effort and not just from my side, who is strategizing and presenting things to people. It’s the whole team that has come together. They already know the squad we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page. I am sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I am here to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way, and thereafter I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have already said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”

Virat Kohli