Virat Kohli, Indian skipper who will feature in the 1st Test only and will miss the last three Tests declared himself a “representation of new India”, who is forever ready to take up challenges with optimism while responding to Australian Greg Chappell’s view that he is “the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time”.
Virat Kohli is usually an aggressive player on the field. He became the most successful Indian captain in the test format leading India to 33 Test wins. He also was the first Indian skipper to win a Test series in Australia as the Indian side dominated the hosts in 2018/19 with Cheteshwar Pujara scoring 521 runs and Jasprit Bumrah taking 21 wickets as India won 4 match series 2-1.
Virat Kohli has always been himself:
Looking at Virat Kohli’s demeanour on the field and his authority and passion for success, former Indian coach Greg Chappell levelled him the “most Australian non-Australian” cricketer of all time ever to represent the sport and thanked cricket’s “most important” figure for setting an example with his “all-out aggression”.
On the eve of the first Test match which will be played under lights with a pink ball against Australia, Virat Kohli was asked about his aggressive brand of cricket coupled with positive intent and attitude that the former Australia captain, who also served as India coach, found similar to the mindset of his countrymen back in Australia.
“I would like to say that I have always been myself,” the skipper said during a virtual media conference ahead of the opening Test against Australia here starting Thursday.
“The way my personality and character is, I am the representation of new India. For me, that’s how I look at it,” Virat Kohli asserted.
“In my mind, it’s not (about) being compared to the Australian mindset as such. It’s how we have started to stand up as the Indian cricket team and my personality has been like this from day one” he added.
Virat Kohli is a player who averages over 50 across formats and has been instrumental in all forms of cricket leading India with both batting prowess and as captain. As captain, India have won 33 Tests out of 55 Tests where he led.
Virat Kohli: New India Takes Up Challenges And Is Filled With Positivity And Optimism And Are Ready For Challenges
The new India, according to one of the country’s most-followed and talented sporting icons, is the one that’s not afraid to take up challenges.
“The new India takes up challenges and is filled with optimism and positivity. We make sure that we are ready for any challenges that come our way.”
Virat Kohli has scored 27 test and 43 ODI tons- totalling 70 which means he is the 3rd highest international century getter after legendary batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. His Test best of unbeaten 254 came against South Africa in 2019, and he will look to create new records in the 1st Test match against Australia, which will be a day-night affair at Adelaide. Virat Kohli though will miss last three Tests to attend the birth of 1st child back home.