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

In a tone reminiscent of Australian idiosyncrasy, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most un-Australian Australian”. Instead, the cricketer identifies as a representative of a “new India” that “takes on” all challenges. 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 in 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 for me, that’s how I see it. It’s not so much in my mind a comparison to being similar to the Australian mentality or anything like that.

Virat Kohli

Kohli also acknowledged that Australia, as a country, embraces 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. Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah as well. The last time he was here he performed very well. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I have come here for many years.

Virat Kohli

For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was also the highlight of our last tour. Our focus remains that. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real focus and simply remains how well we can perform as a team here. Knowing the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli hog all the attention. That’s 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. 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 approach things.

Virat Kohli

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, devising things and putting them in front of people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the template with which we play and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page. I’m sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus is on until I am here to provide the captaincy and leadership and player performances in the best possible way and, from then on, I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.