Virat Kohli: The Representative of the “New India”
In a tone reminiscent of Australian idiosyncrasy, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”. Instead, the player identifies as a representative of a “new India”, which faces all challenges with firmness. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Former test players, newspapers, and television stations have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact his absence will have on the three test matches in which he will not participate.Kohli, for his part, feels comfortable being himself.Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time.
Greg Chappell
For Kohli, this represents how the Indian cricket team has begun to face challenges. His personality has been like this from the beginning, and he sees this as a representation of the new India, which seeks to face challenges with optimism and positivity. Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who are successful on their soil. “I have been touring this place for many years, and it’s 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. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be expectation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similarly to me, I have been coming here for many years.”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 anything like that.
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 mine, the one of the strategy and the implementation of things. The whole team has bought into it. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page. Kohli is confident that Rahane will do a tremendous job in his absence, but the focus remains on providing captaincy, leadership, and performances as a player in the best possible way. Kohli trusts that Rahane will do a tremendous job. Kohli has said before that he feels this is Rahane’s time to step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years. We’ve 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 very calm and knows the strengths of our team and how we should approach things.
Virat Kohli
