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 Australian non-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 that’s how I see it. It’s not so much in my mind a comparison to me being similar to the Australian mentality or anything like that.

Virat Kohli

For Kohli, this represents the way the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand its ground.” His personality has always been this way from day one, reflecting a new India that seeks to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity. 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 play well here, you earn the respect of the public. Obviously, there will be expectation and conversation around wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit [Bumrah]. The last time he played very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similarly to 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. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they can perform as a team here. Knowing the Indian team, 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. 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.

Virat Kohli

Actually, the way they have played cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine, that of designing strategies and presenting things to 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. Kohli is sure that Rahane will do a tremendous job in his absence. Meanwhile, the focus remains on providing captaincy, leadership, and performances as a player in the best possible way. Kohli is confident that Rahane will do a tremendous job. He feels that this is Rahane’s time to step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.