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

Virat Kohli: The “New India” that challenges Australia

In a gesture that some might consider Australian, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the most Australian non-Australian. Instead, he identifies as a representative of the “new India”, a nation that “stands its ground” in the face of any challenge. The reception Kohli has received on his tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations have focused their conversations on Kohli and the impact his absence will have on 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 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

For Kohli, this represents how the Indian cricket team has begun to “stand its ground.” His personality has always been like this, and for him, it is a representation of the new India, where they seek to face challenges, move forward with optimism and positivity, and be prepared for any challenge. Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who succeed on their lands.

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 around wanting to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah as well. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there’s going to 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 the last tour. The focus remains on 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 on how well they can perform as a team here. Knowing how the Indian team is, the others will be happy to go unnoticed and let Kohli take 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 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 the team needs. 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 need to do things.

Virat Kohli

Actually, the way they’ve played cricket has been a collective effort from the whole team. It’s a cultural effort and not just because I strategize and put things in front of people. The whole team has bought into it. They already know the squad we play with and how we want to do 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 until I’m here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player in the best way possible and, from there, I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve already said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.