Virat Kohli: A Leader Who Embodies the New India in Cricket
The renowned cricket player, Virat Kohli, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”, preferring to define himself as a representative of a “new India”. This new India, according to Kohli, is characterized by facing challenges with courage and determination. The reception Kohli has received during this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. Previous 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, however, feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli stated. “My personality and character represent the new India. I don’t see it as a comparison to the Australian mentality. For me, it’s how the Indian cricket team has begun to excel.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia welcomes those who perform well on their soil. “I have been touring this place for many years and it is a wonderful place to play cricket. When you play well here, you earn the respect of the public,” Kohli commented. The public’s attention is focused on the performance of the Indian team, which was the highlight of the last tour. “Our focus remains on that. All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the focus really and simply remains on how well we can perform as a team here,” he added. Player Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the team’s leadership when Kohli leaves, has a different personality than Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity. “We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. The way we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and doesn’t just depend on me when 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.” “I’m sure he’ll do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains until the moment I’m here to provide captaincy, leadership, and performances as a player in the best way possible, and from then on 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.”Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time
Greg Chappell
