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

Virat Kohli: The Representation of a New India in Cricket

The renowned cricket player, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”, preferring to identify himself as a representative of a “new India”. This new India, according to Kohli, is characterized by “facing up” to all challenges. The reception Kohli has received in 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 I think are a representation of the new India. That’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison to the Australian mentality or anything like that.” “For me, it’s about how we’ve 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 take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure we are ready for any challenge that comes our way.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who perform well on their soil. “I have been touring this place for many years and it is 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 wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit [Bumrah] as well. Last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement to see him bowl. Similarly to me, I have been coming 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 our control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the real and simple focus remains on how well we can perform as a team here. Knowing how the Indian team is, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. That’s true for the man who will take charge of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane is a completely different personality to Kohli, but the India captain promised a similar intensity once he leaves. “We’ve had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We’ve had great partnerships batting together, which are based on trust and understanding of what’s 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.” “Actually, the way we’ve played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine, as I’m strategically at the forefront of things and presenting things to people. It’s the whole team that has contributed to this. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” “I’m sure he’ll also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I’m here to provide captaincy, leadership, and player performances in the best way possible, and from there I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said it before, I feel like this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”