Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper said tension and emotions will flare during the much-anticipated 4 match Test series but stressed he doesn’t expect things to get personal as there is a lot of mutual respect and admiration between the two teams post Covid-19.
Virat Kohli is expecting a more friendly but extremely competitive Test series this time around in Australia although he has been involved in some of the most heated on-field banters when the two sides India and Australia met in Test matches in the recent past.
Virat Kohli: Holding Grudges Might Be Pointless As There Is More Respect On Field
Virat Kohli who once famously said his ‘friendship with Australia cricketers was over’ after a heated series at home in 2017. However, the India skipper on Wednesday said he has realized after the pandemic-hit year that “holding grudges” is pointless.
He was asked about how his equation and involvement with Australia has changed in the recent past. Virat Kohli acknowledged that the contribution of the Indian Premier League (IPL) helped him get to know the opposition better as several Australians too participate in the extravagant league. He also stressed the fact that it’s important to maintain the dignity of sport and manage to keep tensions and emotions in check and control.
“This year has made people realize a lot of things which might not have been necessary in the past,” Virat Kohli said while speaking to the press on the eve of the Adelaide Test.
“Holding grudges might be pointless. Don’t think things are going to be as personal as they used to be. We are contributing to a larger cause.”
“I feel there is much more respect on the field. There is going to be tension, emotions flaring. I don’t foresee anything getting personal anymore. But I don’t see the quality of cricket dropping.”
“You have to maintain the dignity of the sport but you also have to understand that there are two quality sides going at each other. On the field, things are going to be competitive. Definitely going to be as competitive as it has always been.”
Australian captain Tim Paine and Indian skipper Virat Kohli were involved in a heated exchange at Perth Test while India toured Australia in 2018-19. The respective captains were seen exchanging words after Virat Kohli decided to field close to the non-striker and umpire Chris Gaffaney had to step in.
Virat Kohli Likens Team India’s Character To ‘New India’
Virat Kohli also said his and his team’s character is a representation of the “New India” when asked about his attitude, that the Australians claim is more Australian than Indian. Greg Chappell credited his aggressive mindset and said the same that he displays positive vibes on the field which makes him look like his countrymen.
“The way my personality and character is, I am the representation of new India. For me, that’s how I look at it. 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,” Kohli said.
“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 was his aggressive self and displayed positive energy when he led India to a historic maiden 2-1 series win in Australia in 2018-19 which was the last time India toured Australia. The India captain never missed an opportunity to have a friendly banter or confront the Australian players who were without two of their batting mainstays David Warner and Steve Smith during the highly-competitive Test series.
One can expect more of the same, at least in the opening Test which will be a day-night fixture in Adelaide from December 17 where Virat Kohli will be keen on putting up a good show as he will be returning home to expect the birth of the first child and will subsequently miss last three Tests.