Virat Kohli: “My personality is the new India”, challenging Australia

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 of non-Australians.” Instead, he prefers to identify as a representative of the “new India,” a nation that faces challenges with determination. The reception Kohli has had in Australia has been unprecedented, with prominent figures in cricket and the media focusing on his impact and his absence in the upcoming matches.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, however, feels comfortable being himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli affirmed. “My personality and character reflect the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not about a comparison with the Australian mentality or anything like that.” The player emphasized the attitude of the Indian cricket team. “It’s about how we have started to stand up for our ideals as the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been like that from day one. This is, for me, a representation of the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, making sure we are ready for any challenge that comes our way.” Kohli also acknowledged that Australia embraces those who succeed on their soil. “I have been touring this place for many years and it is a wonderful place to play cricket,” Kohli said. “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. The same goes for Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement to see him bowl. The same goes for me, I have been coming here for many years.”

For the team, the main focus is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was a highlight in the last tour. External things are not under their control. That’s good for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they can perform as a team here. Knowing what the Indian team is like, 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 similar intensity once he leaves. “We’ve had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We’ve had great partnerships batting together, based on trust and understanding of what’s needed for the team. 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 need to go about things.” The way they have played cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just me strategizing and presenting things to people. It’s the whole team that has joined in. They already know the template we play with and how we want to do things. We are absolutely on the same page.” I am sure he will also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains, until I am here to provide captaincy, leadership and performance as a player in the best possible way, and from then on I trust that Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have 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.