Kohli: “My personality reflects the new India”, rejects being “Australian”

Virat Kohli: A Leader Who Embodies the New India in Cricket

Virat Kohli, an emblematic figure in cricket, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian.” Instead, he defines himself as a representative of a “new India” that faces challenges with courage. Kohli’s reception in 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 he will not play.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli stated. “My personality and my character I think are a representation of the new India. And that’s how I see it.” The player emphasized how the Indian cricket team has begun to face challenges. “My personality has always been like this from day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to accept challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who perform well on their soil. “I have been touring this place for many years, and it is a wonderful place to play cricket. When you perform well here, you earn the respect of the public.”

The team’s main focus is the public’s desire to see India perform as a team, as happened in the previous tour. “All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the focus really and simply remains on how well we can perform as a team here.” The rest of the team is expected to stay in the background, allowing Kohli to take all the attention. Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the leadership when Kohli leaves, has a different personality than Kohli, but the India captain promises similar intensity. “We’ve had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We’ve had great partnerships batting together, which are based on trust and understanding of what’s needed for the team. 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’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 bought into it. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” “I’m sure he’ll also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I’m here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player as best I can and, from then on, I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said this before, I feel this is his time to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and then also as a captain.”