Kohli: “My personality is the new India”, challenges Australia.

Virat Kohli: A Leader Who Embodies the “New India” in Cricket

In a statement that resonated strongly, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian,” preferring to define himself as a representative of a “new India.” This India, according to Kohli, is characterized by “facing up” to all challenges. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations 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, however, feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli affirmed. “My personality and character represent the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison to the Australian mentality or anything like that.” For Kohli, this represents how the Indian cricket team has begun to “face” challenges. His personality has always been like this, from day one. This represents the new India, where they seek to face challenges with optimism and positivity. Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who are successful on their soil. “I have been touring this place for many years, and it’s a wonderful place to play cricket,” Kohli said. “When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the public. Obviously, there will be expectation and conversation about whether you want to see me play. Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah as well. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I have come here for many years.”

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. All external things are 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’s true for the man who will take over the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has 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,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We have had great batting partnerships 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 to be very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things.” The way they have played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just because he is strategically placing things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has been involved. They already know the template they play with and how they want to do things. They are absolutely on the same page.” “I’m sure he’ll also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus is on the time he’s here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way and, from then on, 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.”