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

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

The renowned cricketer, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”, preferring to identify himself as a symbol of a “new India”. This nation, according to Kohli, “rises” to any challenge presented to it. The reception Kohli has received on his current tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former Test players, newspapers, and television channels have focused their analysis on Kohli and the impact his absence will have in the three Test matches he will not play.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, for his part, feels comfortable being true to himself.

“I have always been myself. My personality and character are a representation of the new India. For me, it’s not about a comparison with the Australian mentality. It’s how we have started to rise as the Indian cricket team. My personality has always been like this from day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure we are prepared for any challenge.”

Virat Kohli

Kohli also acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who perform well on its 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 around wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit [Bumrah]. The last time he performed 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”.

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. All external things are not under their control. That’s good for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they can perform as a team. Knowing the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli hog 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 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. 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 to strategize and present things to 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 is 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 am quite sure that Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have already said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”

Virat Kohli