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

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

The renowned cricketer, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, he prefers to identify himself as a representative of a “new India”, which faces all challenges. Kohli’s reception in Australia has been unprecedented. Prominent former Test players, as well as the media, 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, for his part, feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself. My personality and character, I think, are a representation of the new India. That’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison with the Australian mentality or anything like that. For me, it’s how we have started to stand out as the Indian cricket team. My personality has always been like this from day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure we are prepared for any challenge,” Kohli said. Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who perform well on its soil. “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 around wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I’ve been coming here for many years.”

The Indian team’s focus, according to Kohli, is on the public’s desire to see the team perform at its best, something that was a highlight in the last tour. “All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well we can perform as a team here.” The Indian team is expected to remain discreet and allow Kohli to hog all the attention. Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the team when Kohli leaves, has a completely different personality from Kohli, 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 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’s a cultural effort and not just mine, where I strategize and present things to people. It’s the whole team that 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 that I am here to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player to the best of my abilities and, from there, I trust that 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,” Kohli concluded.