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

In a tone that evokes the Australian spirit, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of the “most un-Australian Australian”. Instead, he identifies as a representative of a “new India”, which stands firm in the face of any challenge. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented, with former Test players, newspapers, and television stations focusing 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.

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 something like that.

Virat Kohli

Kohli went on to explain that this is about how the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand up”. His personality has always been like this from day one. For him, this is a representation of the new India, where they want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure they are prepared for any challenge that comes their way. Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, opens its arms to those who perform well on its soil.

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 anticipation and conversation about wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit [Bumrah] as well. Last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I’ve come here for many years.

Virat Kohli

For the team, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of their last tour. Their focus remains on that. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they 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 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 do things.

Virat Kohli

In fact, the way they have played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and it doesn’t just depend on Kohli for the strategy and presentation of things to people. The whole team has been involved. They already know the squad they play with and how they want to do things. They are absolutely on the same page. Kohli is sure that Rahane will do a tremendous job in his absence, but the focus remains, until he is there, to provide captaincy, leadership and performances as a player in the best possible way. Then, he is quite sure that Jinks will do a tremendous job. He has said this before, that he feels this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.