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

Virat Kohli: The Representative of a “New India” in Cricket

The renowned cricket player Virat Kohli has rejected the label of being the “most Australian non-Australian”, preferring to identify himself as a symbol of a “new India” that faces challenges with firmness. The reception Kohli has received in Australia has been unprecedented, generating an intense debate in the cricket world.

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

Greg Chappell

Kohli, however, feels comfortable being true to himself. “I have always been myself,” Kohli stated. “My personality and character represent the new India. For me, that’s how I see it. It’s not a comparison to the Australian mentality. It’s how we have begun to stand out as the Indian cricket team. My personality has always been like this from the beginning. This represents the new India, where we want to take on challenges and move forward with optimism and positivity.” Kohli acknowledged that Australia, as a country, welcomes those who perform well on its 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.”

For Kohli, the most important thing is that the general public sees India perform as a team, something that was highlighted in the last tour. “All external things are not under our control. That’s great for the publicity of the series, but the focus remains on how well we can perform as a team here.” The Indian team, knowing its dynamics, will allow Kohli to hog the spotlight. Ajinkya Rahane, who will assume leadership after Kohli’s departure, has a different personality but promises the same intensity. “We have had a lot of understanding and mutual respect over the years,” Kohli said of his vice-captain. “We have had great partnerships batting together, 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 do things.” “The way we have played our cricket has been a collective effort of the entire team. It’s a cultural effort and not just because I plan things and present them 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,” Kohli concluded. “I’m sure he’ll also do a tremendous job in my absence, but the focus remains until I’m here to provide captaincy, leadership, and player performances in the best way possible, and from that point 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.”