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

In a tone that evokes the Australian spirit, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, he prefers to define himself as a representative of a “new India” that faces challenges with determination. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented, with former test players, newspapers, and television channels focusing on his figure and the impact of his absence in the three test matches in which he will not participate.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, however, feels comfortable being true to himself.

I have always been myself. My personality and character represent the new India. For me, it’s not about a comparison with the Australian mentality. It’s how we have begun to stand out as an Indian cricket team. My personality has always been like this from the beginning. This represents the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.

Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who succeed 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 conversations about wanting to see you play.

Virat Kohli

And he added:

Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah. He performed very well here last time. 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

The Indian team’s main focus, according to Kohli, is the general public’s desire to see India perform as a team, something that was a highlight of their last tour. Kohli highlighted that the team stays on the sidelines, allowing him to attract attention. This dynamic will be maintained when Ajinkya Rahane takes over the team. Kohli described Rahane as a completely different personality, but promised similar intensity after his departure.

We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years. We have had great partnerships batting together, 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.

Virat Kohli

Kohli emphasized that the team’s success is a collective effort, a culture that goes beyond their individual strategies.

The way we have played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It is a cultural effort and not just mine in designing strategies and presenting things to people. It’s the whole team that has been involved. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.

Virat Kohli

Kohli expressed his confidence in Rahane, considering him prepared to assume leadership and perform at his best.

I am sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I am here to provide captaincy, leadership, and player performances to the best of my abilities, and from then on I trust that Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.

Virat Kohli