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

Virat Kohli: The Representative of a “New India” in Cricket

In a tone that evokes the Australian spirit, Virat Kohli has refused to be labeled as the “most Australian non-Australian.” Instead, the player prefers to identify as a symbol of a “new India,” which faces challenges with determination. Kohli’s reception on his tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television channels have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact his absence will have on the three test matches in which he will not participate.

“Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.”

Greg Chappell

However, Kohli feels comfortable being true to himself.

“First of all, I want 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 being similar to the Australian mentality or anything like that,” Kohli declared.

Virat Kohli

For Kohli, this represents the way the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand its ground.” His personality has always been like this from day one, representing a new India that seeks to face challenges with optimism and positivity. Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who are successful on their lands. “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 expectation and conversations about wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit [Bumrah]. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement around him to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I’ve been coming here for many years.”

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 the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take all the attention. This is also valid for the man who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane, who has a completely different personality from Kohli, promised similar intensity once Kohli is gone.

“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 composed and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things. Actually, the way we have played cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It is a cultural effort and not just me who strategizes and presents things to people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the model we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page. I am sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I am here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way, and thereafter I am pretty sure that 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,” commented Kohli.

Virat Kohli