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

In a tone reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of the “most un-Australian Australian”, preferring to identify himself as a representative of a “new India” that “stands up” to all challenges. The reception towards Kohli on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented, with former Test players, newspapers and television stations only talking about Kohli and the impact his absence will have on the three Tests he will not play.

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

Greg Chappell

The most revealing comment came from Test great and former India coach Greg Chappell, who wrote in a column that “Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time”. However, Kohli was satisfied being 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 for me, 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. For me, it’s how we have begun to stand up for ourselves as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been that way from day one. This for me is a representation of the new India where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity and make sure we are ready for any challenge that comes our way.

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who perform well on its shores.

I’ve been touring this place for many years and it’s a wonderful place to play cricket. When you play well here, you earn the respect of the public. Obviously, there will be anticipation and conversation around wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah as well. The last time he played very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I have come here for many years.

Virat Kohli

For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India play 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 focus and simply remains on how well we can play 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 from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once 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 approach things. Actually, the way we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It is a cultural effort and not just mine to strategize and present things to people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. 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 remains until I am here to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player as best as I can and, from then on, I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have said this before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and then also as a captain.

Virat Kohli