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

Virat Kohli: The ‘New India’ and its Impact on Australia

In an environment that evokes Australian passion, Virat Kohli has refused to be labeled as the “most Australian non-Australian”. He prefers to define himself as a representative of the “new India”, a team that faces challenges with determination. Kohli’s reception in Australia has been unprecedented. Both former Test players and the media have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact of his absence in the three Test matches he will not play.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, true to his style, feels comfortable being himself.

“I have always been myself. My personality and character reflect the new India. I don’t seek comparisons with the Australian mentality. It’s about how the Indian cricket team has risen. My personality has been like this from the beginning. It represents the new India, where we face challenges with optimism and positivity.”

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledges that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who excel in its lands.

“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 wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah as well. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I have come here for many years”.

Virat Kohli

For the team, the most important thing is that the public sees 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 true focus is simply on how well they can act as a team here. The Indian team, as a whole, will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. This also applies to Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves. Rahane has a completely different personality than Kohli, but the India captain promised the same intensity.

“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 do things”.

Virat Kohli

The way they have played cricket has been a collective effort from the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and it doesn’t just depend on me to strategize and present things to people. The whole team has been involved. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” Kohli is confident that Rahane will perform an exceptional job in his absence.