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

Virat Kohli: The ‘New India’ That Challenges Australia

In a tone reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has refused to be labeled as the “most Australian non-Australian.” Instead, the cricketer identifies as a representative of a “new India” that faces all challenges with determination. The reception Kohli has received in Australia during this tour has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations have focused on Kohli 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, for his part, is satisfied being himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli affirmed. “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 a comparison with the Australian mentality or anything like that.” The player added: “For me, it’s about how we’ve started to stand out as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been like this since day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure we are prepared for any challenge.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who perform well on its soil. “I have been touring this place for many years and it is a wonderful place to play cricket,” Kohli said. “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. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he was here, he performed very well. Obviously, there will be anticipation 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 that the general public sees India performing as a team, which was the highlight of the last tour. The focus remains that. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the true 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 valid for the man who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane is 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 approach things.” Actually, the way they’ve played cricket has been a collective effort from the whole team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine in designing strategies and presenting things to people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” Kohli concluded: “I am sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains until 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 Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have 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.”