India's all-format captain Virat Kohli has stated in a press conference that he sees himself as 'the representation of a New India'. It seems to be one of those 'statements', so to say that stick throughout the series or for a few years to come.
Former Australian skipper Greg Chappell recently called Virat Kohli 'the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of all time' meaning that he has all the traits of an Australian cricketer despite not being one.
The 32-year-old Indian captain was present for the press conference on the eve of the first Test match in Adelaide starting on Thursday, December 17.
Virat Kohli said in the virtual press conference, "I would like to say that I have always been myself. The way my personality and character is, I am the representation of new India. For me, that’s how I look at it."
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"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.
The aggressive cricketer in him has been quiet for the past few months and the Test format might bring out that side of him in the historic Day/Night Test at Adelaide, which will India's first away from home.
Kohli is optimistic about their performances and overcoming challenges that come in front of the team. He believes that new India is filled with optimism and positivity.
"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," he stated.
(With inputs from PTI)