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

Virat Kohli: The Cricket Icon Who Embodies the “New India”

In a context marked by anticipation, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, the renowned cricket player identifies as a representative of a “new India”, willing to face any challenge. Kohli’s reception on his tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Both former test players and the media have focused their attention 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.” Kohli, true to his style, was satisfied with his own identity.

“I have always been myself. My personality and character reflect the new India. I don’t seek comparisons with the Australian mentality. For me, it represents how the Indian cricket team has risen. My personality has been like this from the beginning. I represent the new India, where we want to face challenges with optimism and positivity”.

Virat Kohli

Kohli also acknowledged that Australia, as a country, usually welcomes with open arms those who excel in its 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. There will be anticipation and comments about wanting to see you play. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. There will be anticipation 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 for the general public to see India perform as a team, something that was the highlight of the last tour. The focus remains that. All external factors are not under their control. That’s good for the publicity of the series, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they can perform as a team here. The Indian team, knowing the situation, will feel comfortable working discreetly, allowing Kohli to take the spotlight. This is also valid for whoever takes the reins of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane, with a personality different from Kohli’s, promises a similar intensity.

“We have had mutual understanding and respect over the years. We have had great partnerships batting together, based on trust and understanding of what the team needs. 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. The way we have played cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It is a cultural effort and not just mine, which raises the strategies and presents things to 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. I am sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus is on the time he is here to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way, and from there I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have already said before that I feel this is his moment to step up and perform to the maximum as an individual and also as a captain”.

Virat Kohli