Kohli: “My personality reflects the new India” in cricket.

Virat Kohli: The “New India” Shows Itself to Australia

In a statement that resonates with his characteristic intensity, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian of non-Australians.” Instead, the player prefers to identify as a representative of the “new India,” which faces challenges with determination. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, media outlets, and television channels have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact his absence will have in the three test matches in which he will not participate.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself.

“I would like to say that I have always been myself. The way my personality and character are, I think it is a representation of the new India. And for me, 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 how we have started to stand up for ourselves as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been that way since day one. This for me 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 are ready for any challenge that comes our way.”

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who perform well on their 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 about wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit [Bumrah]. The last time he was here, he performed very well. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I’ve been coming here for many years.”

For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of our last tour as well. Our focus remains on that. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real focus and simply remains on how well we can perform as a team here.” Knowing the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. That’s true for the man who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once he leaves. “We’ve had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years. We’ve had great partnerships playing 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 our cricket has been a collective effort from the whole team. It’s a cultural effort and not just me strategizing and putting things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has bought into it. They already know the squad we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page. I’m sure he will do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I am here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way and, from then on, I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said this before, I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”