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

Virat Kohli: The Representative of a “New India” in Cricket

In a tone reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most non-Australian Australian”. Instead, the cricketer identifies as a representative of a “new India”, which stands firm in the face of any challenge. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations have focused on Kohli and the impact his absence will have on the three test matches in which he will not participate.

“Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time,” Greg Chappell wrote in a column.

Greg Chappell

However, Kohli 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 that’s how I see it. It’s not so much in my mind a comparison to being similar to the Australian mentality or something like that,” Kohli declared.

Virat Kohli

For Kohli, this represents the way the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand firm.” His personality has been like this since day one, reflecting a new India that seeks challenges and moves forward with optimism and positivity. Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes 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 play well here, you earn the respect of the public. Obviously, there will be anticipation and conversation around wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he played very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I’ve been coming here for many years,” Kohli said.

Virat Kohli

For the team, the most important thing is for the general public to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of the last tour. The focus remains on that, while external factors are not under their control. This is good for the publicity of the series, but the main focus remains on the team’s performance. Knowing the Indian team, the other players will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. This is true for whoever will take over when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once he is gone.

“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 to be very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things,” Kohli said.

Virat Kohli

The way the team has played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team, a cultural effort and not just a Kohli strategy. The whole team has bought into the idea, and they already know the model with which they play and how they want to do things. They are absolutely on the same page. Kohli is confident that Rahane will do a tremendous job in his absence. Until he is present, he will focus on providing captaincy, leadership, and performance as a player to the best of his abilities. Afterwards, he is sure that Rahane will do a tremendous job. Kohli feels that this is Rahane’s time to step up and perform to the maximum as an individual and also as a captain.