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

Virat Kohli: The ‘New India’ That Challenges Australia

In a tone reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most un-Australian Australian”. Instead, the cricketer identifies as a representative of a “new India” that “stands up” to all challenges. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia is unprecedented. Previous test players, newspapers, and television stations have focused on 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

Kohli, for his part, feels 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 that’s how I see it. It’s not so much in my mind a comparison to being similar to the Australian mentality or anything like that,” Kohli declared.

Virat Kohli

“For me, it’s about how we’ve started to stand out as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been like this from day one. This is for me 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 prepared for any challenge that comes our way.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who are successful on 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 anticipation and conversation around wanting to see you play. Similar to Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there’s going to be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I’ve been coming here for many years,” Kohli stated.

Virat Kohli

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 the last tour. The focus remains on that. Everything external is 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 is the case of the man who will take charge of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane is a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised 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 very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things,” said Kohli.

Virat Kohli

Actually, the way the team has played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine, where I devise strategies and present 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. Kohli is sure that Rahane will do a tremendous job in his absence, but the focus is on the time Kohli is here to provide captaincy, leadership, and performances as a player to the best of his abilities. Kohli trusts that Rahane will do a tremendous job. Kohli has said before that he feels this is the time for Rahane to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.