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

Virat Kohli: A Cricket Icon Who Embodies the New India

In an environment reminiscent of the Australian passion for cricket, Virat Kohli has refused to be labeled as “the most Australian non-Australian”. He prefers to be seen as a representative of a “new India”, one that “stands up” to any challenge. The reception Kohli has received on his tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations are only talking about 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.

“First of all, 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 that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison in my mind with the Australian mentality or anything like that. For me, it’s how we have started to stand out as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been like that from day one. This is for me 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 prepared for any challenge that comes our way.”

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, embraces those who succeed on its 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 around wanting to see you play. Similar to Jasprit [Bumrah]. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around seeing him bowl. Similar to 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 the last tour. The focus remains on that. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they can perform as a team. Knowing how the Indian team is, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. This is true for the man who will take charge of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised a 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, 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 very composed and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things. Actually, 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 that is strategically doing things and putting them in front of people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. 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 until the moment I am here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way, and from then on I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have already said before that I feel this is his moment to step up and perform to the maximum as an individual and also as a captain”.

Virat Kohli