Kohli: “My personality reflects the new India” | Cricket

Virat Kohli: The Representative of a New India in Cricket

The renowned cricketer, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, he prefers to be seen as a representative of a “new India”, which faces all challenges with courage. The reception Kohli has received 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 in the three Test matches he will not play.

“Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time”.

Greg Chappell

However, Kohli is comfortable being himself.

“I have always been myself. My personality and character are a representation of the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison to the Australian mentality. It’s how we have begun to stand out as an Indian cricket team. 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, and make sure we are ready for any challenge that comes our way.”

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who are successful on their 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 expectation and conversation around wanting to see you 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’ve been coming here for many years.”

Virat Kohli

The main focus of the Indian team is for the general public to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of their last tour. External things are not under their control. This is great for the publicity of the series, but the focus remains on how well they can perform as a team here. Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves, has a different personality than 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, 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 we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It is a cultural effort and not just mine, but the whole team has bought into the idea. 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 on the time I am here to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player as best as I can, and then, from there, I am pretty sure 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 then also as a captain”.

Virat Kohli