Virat Kohli: The “New India” in Australian Cricket
In a tone reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the most Australian non-Australian. He prefers to identify as a representative of the “new India”, a nation that faces challenges with determination.
Kohli’s reception in Australia has been unprecedented. Former Test players, newspapers, and television channels 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
However, Kohli feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli stated. “My personality and character represent the new India. For me, it’s not about comparing myself to the Australian mentality. It’s about how the Indian cricket team has begun to stand its ground. My personality has been this way from the beginning. This represents the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.”
Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who excel on its soil. “I have been touring here for many years and it is a wonderful place to play cricket. When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the public. There will be anticipation and conversation around you. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he played here he performed very well. There will be anticipation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I have been coming here for many years.”The Indian team’s focus is on their 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. Our focus remains on that. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the focus remains on how well we can perform as a team here.”
While Kohli gets all the attention, the rest of the Indian team prefers to keep a low profile. Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the team’s leadership after Kohli’s departure, has a different personality, but Kohli assures that the intensity will remain. “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 the team needs. Jinks has done a tremendous job in the two practice matches. He seems very serene 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 entire team. It’s a cultural effort and it’s not just down to me strategically planning things and putting them in front of people. It’s the whole team that has bought into this. They know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.”
“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 in the best way possible, and from there, I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve already said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”
