Virat Kohli: A “New India” at the Close of His Australian Tour
The renowned cricket player, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”, preferring to define himself as a representative of the “new India”. This team, according to Kohli, is characterized by facing all challenges with determination.
Kohli’s reception in Australia has been unprecedented. Former players, media, and television stations have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact of his absence 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. “I have always been myself,” Kohli stated. “My personality and character are a representation of the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison to the Australian mentality or anything like that.”
According to Kohli, this reflects how the Indian cricket team has begun to face challenges. “My personality has always been like this since day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to face challenges with optimism and positivity, making sure we are ready for any challenge.”
Kohli acknowledged that Australia 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. 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. Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah. Last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement to see him bowl. Similarly for me, I have been coming here for many years.”Virat Kohli tiene varios asuntos que tratar antes de la serie de pruebas.
AFP vía Getty Images“For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of our last tour as well. Our focus remains on that. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the real and simple focus remains on how well we 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. That’s true for the man who will take charge of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality than Kohli, but the India captain promised a similar intensity once he’s gone.
“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 is 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 composed and knows the strengths of our team and how we need to do things.”
“Actually, the way we’ve played our cricket has been a collective effort from the entire 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 in. 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 in the best possible way and, from then on, I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said this before, I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”
