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

Virat Kohli: The ‘New India’ That Challenges Australia

In a tone reminiscent of the Australian attitude, Virat Kohli has refused to be labeled as the “most Australian non-Australian.” Instead, he prefers to identify as a representative of a “new India” that “stands up” to any challenge. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations have focused on Kohli and the impact his absence will have 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 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 me being similar to the Australian mentality or something like that.”

Virat Kohli

For Kohli, this represents how the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand its ground.” His personality has always been like this from day one, and he sees this as a representation of the new India, where they want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity. Kohli also acknowledged that Australia, as a country, embraces those who succeed on its lands.

“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 he did 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. The main focus remains that. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the true and simple focus remains 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. This is 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 a 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

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 is planning things and presenting them to people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the template they play with and how they want to do things. They are absolutely on the same page. Kohli is confident that Rahane will do a tremendous job in his absence, but the focus remains, until he is here, 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.