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”. Instead, he identifies as a representative of a “new India”, which “faces” all challenges. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented.
The absence of Kohli in the three test matches has generated a great stir, with experts and media analyzing his impact on the team.
Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.
Greg Chappell
Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself. My personality and character I think are a representation of the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison with the Australian mentality. It’s how we have begun to stand out as an Indian cricket team,” he stated.
The player acknowledged the warm reception he receives in Australia, especially when good performances are delivered. “When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the public. There is anticipation to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. There is anticipation to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I have been coming here for many years,” he added.The team’s main focus, according to Kohli, is collective performance. “For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of our last tour. Our focus remains on that. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the focus is on how well we can perform as a team here,” he commented.
The Indian team is expected to remain discreet, allowing Kohli to grab the attention. Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the leadership after Kohli’s departure, has a different personality but promises the same intensity.
Kohli highlighted the good relationship with his teammate. “We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years. We have had great partnerships batting together, 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 composed and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things,” Kohli said.
“The way we’ve played our cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just because I set strategies and put things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has been involved. They already know the squad we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page,” he concluded.
Kohli is confident that Rahane will play a prominent role. “I am sure he will do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus is on the time I am here to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way, and from then on I am pretty sure that Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have already said before that I feel this is his moment to step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain,” he concluded.
