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

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

In a tone reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, he prefers to identify as a representative of a “new India”, which faces all challenges with determination. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented, with former Test players, newspapers, and television stations focusing on his figure 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.” Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself.

“I have always been myself. My personality and character are a representation of the new India. That’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison with the Australian mentality. It’s how we have begun to stand out as the Indian cricket team. My personality has been like this since day one. This represents the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.”

Virat Kohli

Kohli also acknowledged that Australia embraces those who succeed 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 anticipation and conversation to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. There will be anticipation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I’ve been coming here for many years”.

Virat Kohli

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 their last tour. The focus remains on that. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the focus really and simply remains on how well they 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. This also applies to the man who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality to Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once he leaves.

“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 cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It is a cultural effort and not just mine, as I am only in charge of designing strategies and presenting things to people. It is 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”.

Virat Kohli

Kohli expressed his confidence in Rahane to do an exceptional job in his absence.