Kohli: “My Personality Is the New India” – Indian Pride in Cricket

Virat Kohli: The Representative of a New India in Cricket

In an environment that could be considered similar to the Australian one, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of the “most un-Australian non-Australian”. Instead, the cricket player identifies as a representative of a “new India”, who stands firm in the face of any challenge. 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 in 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.

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 for me, that’s how I see it. It’s not so much in my mind a comparison to being similar to the Australian mentality or something like that.

Virat Kohli

For Kohli, this represents how the Indian cricket team has begun to excel. His personality has always been like this from day one. This, for him, is a representation of the new India, where they want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure they are ready for any challenge that comes their way. Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, embraces 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 about wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit [Bumrah] as well. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I’ve been coming here for many years.

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. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real focus and simply 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’s leadership 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. 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 to be very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should approach things.

Virat Kohli

Actually, the way they have played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just because I’m designing strategies and presenting things to people. It’s the whole team that has been involved in it. 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 remains, until the moment he is there to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way. Kohli trusts that Rahane will do a tremendous job. He feels that this is Rahane’s moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.