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

In a tone that evokes Australian idiosyncrasy, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of the “most un-Australian Australian”. Instead, he identifies as a representative of a “new India” that faces challenges with firmness. The reception Kohli has received in Australia has been unprecedented. Former Test players, newspapers, and television stations have focused on his figure 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 true to himself.

First of all, I would like 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 something like that.

Virat Kohli

For Kohli, this represents the way the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand its ground.” His personality has been this way from the beginning, reflecting a new India that embraces challenges with optimism and positivity. Kohli acknowledges that Australia welcomes with open arms those who excel in 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 conversation around 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 for many years.

Virat Kohli

For the team, the most important thing is that the general public sees India perform as a team, which was the highlight of the last tour. The focus remains on that. External things are not under their control. This is positive 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 especially true for whoever will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity when he leaves.

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 to be very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should do things.

Virat Kohli

The way they have played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just because he strategically puts things in front of people. It’s the whole team that has been involved. They already know the pattern with which we play and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page. Kohli is confident that Rahane will do a great job in his absence. While he is present, he will focus on providing captaincy, leadership, and performances as a player in the best possible way. He is sure that Rahane will do a tremendous job. He feels it’s time for Rahane to step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.