In a statement reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian.” Instead, he identifies as a representative of a “new India” that faces 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 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, however, feels comfortable being himself.
“I have always been myself. My personality and character reflect the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not about a comparison with the Australian mindset. It’s about how we have started to stand out as the Indian cricket team. My personality has always been like this from day one. This represents the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.”
Virat Kohli
Kohli acknowledges that Australia welcomes with open arms those who perform well on their soil.
“I’ve been touring this venue for many years, and it’s a wonderful place to play cricket. When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the crowd. Obviously, there will be anticipation and conversation about wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he was here, he performed very well. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement to see him bowl. Similarly, I’ve been coming here for many years.”
Virat Kohli
The primary focus for the Indian team remains collective performance. Kohli emphasizes that external expectations are not under their control and that the team is focused on its performance.
The Indian team traditionally prefers to stay in the background and let Kohli take the spotlight. Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the leadership when Kohli leaves, has a different personality, but Kohli expects a similar intensity.
“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, who strategizes and puts things in front of people. The whole team has been involved. They already know the squad 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 on providing captaincy, leadership and performance as a player as best as I can, and then I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”
Virat Kohli
