Former India captain Virat Kohli admitted on Sunday that the intense and aggressive Australian cricketing environment tested his resilience. However, he believes that facing this atmosphere while playing his fearless brand of cricket strengthened his mindset, shaped his career, and contributed to his personal growth.Kohli first toured Australia in 2011, where he faced a hostile reception from the crowd. Over time, though, he noted that the initial aggression eventually gave way to respect.“Growing up, watching cricket as a kid, we used to wake up early and watch Test cricket in Australia. You could see the ball flying off the pitch and the opposition in your face. I used to think, ‘If I am able to step up in these conditions and against this opposition, that’s something I could be proud of as a cricketer.’ That was my motivation, watching all the greats of our game — guys like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, even Virender Sehwag,” Kohli told Fox Cricket ahead of the first ODI on Sunday.“Even the Australian setup, how they played their cricket, how they were always in your face, intimidating and taking the game on — that inspired me to come here and do the same. Early on, it was easier to watch on television than be part of that hostile environment, but I am really grateful for those times because they shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.”“That really tests your mental strength and resilience, because once you start copping it from the crowd, you can’t escape — you’ve got to come back every day,” added Kohli, who returned to India colors after seven months and got out for a duck.Kohli recalled conversations with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, with whom he shared the Royal Challengers Bangalore dressing room in the IPL, saying they helped him prepare for Australia’s unique challenges.“I didn’t understand it initially, to be honest. But guys like Kevin Pietersen, who faced it before, told me that in Australia, it feels like they are at you the whole time, but at heart, they respect you standing up and playing that kind of cricket,” Kohli said.“So, don’t take it personally, don’t take it to heart. You just go out there and play competitive cricket. You realise how good you are and, over time, how it shapes you mentally. I have nothing but gratitude for those experiences. The crowd being at me really brought out the best in me.”
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Under those trying circumstances, Kohli said he had no option but to give his “120 percent.”“I had no choice but to be 120 percent. There was no chance I wasn’t going to perform in this country, in these hostile conditions. I’ve had great times here as a cricketer. Off the field, people have been relaxed and respectful. Walking on the street, seeing genuine smiles — I really enjoyed my time here.”
