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

In a tone that could be considered Australian, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, the cricketer identifies as a representative of a “new India” that “faces up” to all challenges. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented, with former Test players, newspapers, and television stations focusing on his figure 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 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 something like that.

Virat Kohli

For Kohli, this represents the way the Indian cricket team has begun to “cope.” His personality has been like this since day one, representing a “new India” that seeks to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity. Kohli acknowledges that Australia welcomes with open arms those who perform well on their soil.

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 expectation and conversation around wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he was here he played very well. Obviously, there will be expectation 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 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, which is good for the publicity of the series, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they can perform as a team. Knowing what the Indian team is like, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. This also applies to the man who will take the reins of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality to 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 very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things.

Virat Kohli

The way they have played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It is a cultural effort and does not just depend on Kohli strategizing and putting things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has come together. They already know the template they play with and how they want to do things. They are absolutely on the same page. Kohli is sure that Rahane will do a tremendous job in his absence. The focus will remain, while he is there, to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way. Kohli is confident that Rahane will do a tremendous job. He feels it’s time for Rahane to step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.