Kohli: “My Personality Is the New India” in International Cricket

Virat Kohli: The Voice of New India in Cricket

In a tone reminiscent of Australian idiosyncrasy, Virat Kohli has refused to be labeled as “the most Australian non-Australian.” Instead, he prefers to define himself as a representative of a “new India,” which stands firm in the face of any challenge. Kohli’s reception on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Test ex-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

However, Kohli is comfortable being himself.

First of all, I would like to say that I have always been myself. The way my personality and character are, I think it is a representation of the new India. And for me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison in my mind to be similar to the Australian mentality or anything like that. For me, it’s how we have started to stand out as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been that way since day one. This for me is a representation of the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity and make sure we are ready for any challenge that comes our way.

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who succeed on their 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 them 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’ve come here for many years.

Virat Kohli

For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of our last tour as well. Our focus remains that. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the real focus and simply remains how well we can perform as a team here. Knowing the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli grab 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 a similar intensity once he’s gone.

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. Actually, the way we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It is a cultural effort and not just me strategizing and putting things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the squad we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.

Virat Kohli

I’m sure he’ll also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I’m here to provide captaincy, 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 captain.