Virat Kohli: The Embodiment of “New India” in Cricket
In an environment where comparisons are inevitable, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, the player prefers to define himself as a representative of a “new India”, one that faces challenges with determination.
The reception Kohli has received in Australia has been unprecedented. Experts and media have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact his absence will have on the upcoming matches.
Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.
Greg Chappell
Kohli, however, remains true to 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 mindset.”
“This is how we have started to defend the Indian cricket team. My personality has always been like this from day one. This is for me 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.”
Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who succeed on their lands. “I have been touring this place for many years and it is a wonderful place to play cricket,” Kohli said. “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. Similarly, with Jasprit Bumrah as well. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement around seeing him bowl. Similar to me, I have been coming here for many years.”Virat Kohli tiene varios asuntos que abordar antes de la serie de test“For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was also the highlight of our last tour. 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 perform as a team here.”
Knowing the Indian team, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli hog all the attention. That’s true for the man who will take over the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once he’s gone.
“We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his deputy. “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’ve played our cricket has been a collective effort from the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just me strategizing 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 approach 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 while 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 that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and then also as a captain.”
