Virat Kohli: “My personality represents the new India”

Virat Kohli: A Leader Who Embodies the New India in Cricket

In an interview that has generated great expectation, Virat Kohli, an emblematic figure of Indian cricket, has rejected the label of being the “most Australian of the non-Australians”. Instead, Kohli defines himself as a representative of a “new India”, which “faces” all challenges. 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 he will not play.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, for his part, feels comfortable being himself. “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 a comparison with the Australian mentality or anything like that,” Kohli declared. “For me, it’s how we’ve started defending the Indian cricket team. And my personality has always been like this from day one. This is a representation of the new India, where we want to face challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity, and make sure we are prepared for any challenge that comes our way.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who do well on its soil. “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 about the desire to see you play. Similarly with Jasprit Bumrah. The last time he performed very well here. Obviously, there will be anticipation and excitement around him to see him bowl. Similar to me, I’ve been coming here for many years.”

“For us, the most important thing is that the general public wants to see India perform as a team, which was the highlight of our last tour. That’s what we’re focused on. Everything external is not in our control. That’s good for the publicity of the series, but the focus is on how well we 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 charge of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality than Kohli, but the Indian captain promised a 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, which are 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 should approach things.” “Actually, the way we’ve played our cricket has been a collective effort of the whole team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine, where I strategize and put things in front of 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 also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains on the time I’m here to provide captaincy and leadership and performances as a player as best I can, and from there I’m pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I’ve said before that I feel it’s his time to step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.”