Virat Kohli: A New Chapter for Indian Cricket in Australia
The renowned cricket player Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian of non-Australians.” Instead, he prefers to identify as a representative of the “new India,” which faces challenges with determination.
Kohli’s reception on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television channels have focused their attention 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, true to his style, was authentic: “I have always been myself. My personality and character reflect the new India. For me, it represents how we have begun to face challenges as the Indian cricket team. My personality has been like this from the beginning. We want to accept the challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.”
Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who excel on its soil. “I have been touring this place 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 about wanting to see you play.”For Kohli, the most important thing is that the general public sees India perform as a team, something that was a highlight in the last tour. The focus remains on that. “All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the focus really and simply remains on how well we can perform as a team here.”
The Indian team, knowing its dynamics, will allow Kohli to hog the attention. Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the leadership when Kohli leaves, has a different personality, but the India captain promised 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 the team needs.”
Rahane has done a tremendous job in the two practice matches, and seems very composed and knows the team’s strengths. “The way we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It’s a cultural effort and doesn’t just depend on me when designing strategies and putting things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the squad we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.”
“I’m sure he’ll do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains until the moment I’m here to provide captaincy, leadership and player performances as best as I can, and from then on I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said this before: I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain,” Kohli concluded.
