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

Virat Kohli: A Symbol of the “New India” in Cricket

In an interview that has generated great anticipation, Virat Kohli refused to be labeled as the “most Australian non-Australian”, preferring to define himself as a representative of the “new India”. An India that, according to his words, “stands up” to any challenge. The reception Kohli has received in Australia has been unprecedented. Former Test players, media outlets, and television stations have focused their analyses on Kohli’s figure 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, for his part, was comfortable with his own identity. “I have always been myself,” he stated. “My personality and character represent the new India. I don’t see it as a comparison with the Australian mentality.” For Kohli, this reflects how the Indian cricket team has begun to face challenges. “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.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia embraces those who excel on their 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.” The player also mentioned the expectation generated by Jasprit Bumrah, who performed great in his last visit. “There will be expectation and excitement around him, just like with me, who has been coming here for many years.”

Kohli emphasized that the team’s main focus is collective performance. “Our focus remains on that. Everything external is not under our control. That’s good for the series’ publicity, but the focus remains on how we can perform as a team here.” The Indian team captain trusts Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the leadership in his absence. “We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said about his vice-captain. “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.” Kohli added that the team’s playing style is a collective effort. “It’s a cultural effort and it’s not just because I’m strategizing. The whole team has been involved. They already know the model we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” Kohli concluded by expressing his confidence in Rahane. “I am sure he will do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on providing captaincy and leadership and performances as a player as best as I can, and then I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I feel it’s his time to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”