Virat Kohli: “My personality reflects the new India” in cricket

In a tone reminiscent of Australian idiosyncrasy, Virat Kohli has rejected the label of the “most un-Australian Australian”, preferring to define himself as a representative of a “new India” that “stands up” to any challenge. The reception Kohli has received on this tour of Australia has been unprecedented. The media and former cricket players have focused their attention on Kohli and the impact his absence will have on the three test matches he will not participate in.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, for his part, 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 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 player also acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes with open arms those who succeed in its lands.

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. Obviously, there will be anticipation and conversation around wanting to see you play. Similar to 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 have been coming 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. Their focus remains on that. All external things are not under their control. That’s great for the series’ publicity, but the real and simple focus remains on how well they 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. That’s true for the man who will take charge of the team when Kohli leaves. Ajinkya Rahane has a completely different personality from Kohli, but the India captain promised similar intensity once he leaves. Kohli spoke about the relationship with his second captain.

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 is needed for the team. 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 should approach things.

Virat Kohli

The Indian captain continued to emphasize the team’s collective effort.

Actually, the way we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just mine that strategizes and presents things to people. It’s the whole team that has chipped 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 the moment I am here to provide the captaincy, leadership, and performances as a player in the best possible way, and from then on I am pretty sure Jinks will do a tremendous job. I have said before that I feel this is his moment to really step up and perform strongly as an individual and also as a captain.

Virat Kohli