The renowned cricketer, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”, preferring to identify as a representative of a “new India”. An India that faces challenges with determination.
Kohli’s reception on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. There has been much talk about his impact on the three test matches in which he will not participate.
“Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time”.
Greg Chappell
Kohli feels comfortable being himself. “My personality and my character are a representation of the new India,” Kohli stated. “For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison to the Australian mentality.”
Kohli also acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who are successful on their lands. “When you play 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. The last time he played 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.”Virat Kohli tiene varios asuntos que abordar antes de la serie de testThe Indian team’s focus remains on collective performance. “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 on that. All external things are not under our control.”
Knowing the Indian team, the other players will be happy to stay discreet and let Kohli take all the attention. This is especially true for the man who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves.
Ajinkya Rahane, with a different personality than Kohli’s, promises the same intensity.
“We’ve had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We’ve had great partnerships batting 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.”
Kohli concluded: “I am sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus is on the time he is here to provide captaincy and leadership and performance as a player in the best possible way, and from there I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have said before that I feel it is his time to step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”
