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 un-Australian Australian”, preferring to define himself as a representative of a “new India” that faces all challenges with firmness. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented, generating great interest in his participation in the matches.Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself,” he affirmed. “My personality and my character represent the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not about a comparison with the Australian mentality.” The player explained that his approach reflects the way the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand up” to challenges. “My personality has always been like this from the beginning. This represents the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure we are ready for any challenge,” Kohli added.“Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.”
Greg Chappell
Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who are successful on its lands. “I have been touring this place for many years and it is a wonderful place to play cricket. When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the public. Obviously, there will be expectation and conversation about wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I have been coming here for many years.”
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. “Our focus remains on that. Everything external is not under our control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the true and simple focus remains on how well we can perform as a team here.”
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 over the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once he leaves. “We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We have had great batting partnerships 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’ve played our cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine, where I strategize and present things to people. It’s the whole team that has come together. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” “I’m sure he’ll also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus is on the time I’m here to provide captaincy, leadership, and performances as a player in the best way possible, and from that moment on I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve 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.”
