Virat Kohli: The “New India” and Its Impact on Australian Cricket
In a tone reminiscent of Australian idiosyncrasy, Virat Kohli has refused to be labeled as the most Australian non-Australian player. Instead, he identifies as a representative of the “new India”, facing all challenges with determination. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former Test players, media, and television channels have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact his absence will have in the three Test matches he will not play.Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself.Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.
Greg Chappell
Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who succeed on their lands.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 with the Australian mentality. It’s how we have started to stand out as an Indian cricket team. My personality has been like this since day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, and make sure we are ready for any challenge that comes our way.
Virat Kohli
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. 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
We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years. We have had great partnerships batting together, 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 very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do 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 mine in strategizing and presenting things to people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the template 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, until the moment I am here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player, the best I can, and from then on I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have said before that I feel this is his moment to step up and perform to the fullest as an individual and also as a captain.
Virat Kohli
