Virat Kohli: The “New India” in International Cricket
In a statement that resonates with the spirit of Australian cricket, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the most Australian non-Australian player. Instead, he prefers to identify as a representative of a “new India”, one that “stands up” to all challenges. 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 on the three test matches.Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself. “First of all, I’d like to say that I’ve always been myself,” Kohli said. “The way my personality and character are, I think it’s a representation of the new India. And that’s how I see it. It’s not so much in my mind a comparison to being similar to the Australian mentality or anything like that.” “For me, it’s about how we’ve started to stand up for ourselves as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been like this since day one. For me, this is a representation of the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, and make sure we’re ready for any challenge that comes our way.”Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.
Greg Chappell
Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who perform well on its soil. “I have been touring this place for many years, and it’s a wonderful place to play cricket,” Kohli said. “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. Similarly, with Jasprit [Bumrah] as well. The last time he was here he performed very well. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similarly to me, I have come here for many years.
