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Virat Kohli’s captaincy opportunities important in context of India’s succession plans

Kohli has led India in 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), out of which India have won nine.

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Virat Kohli © PTI
Virat Kohli averages 65.12 and has scored three tons in 12 ODIs as captain © PTI

Virat Kohli will lead India in the first three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka with MS Dhoni taking a breather. Kohli has been earmarked as his successor for some time now and every opportunity he gets is important to India’s future plans. Nishad Pai Vaidya writes about Kohli’s captaincy and what he can do to strengthen his case.

During India’s victorious campaign at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2008, there was one image that stood out. As an excited Indian bunch strangled South Africa in the final, the young boys were in danger of getting carried away even as the last ball was being bowled. It was a mere formality and victory was certain. However, their leader ensured better sense prevailed. He waved to his men, asking each one of them to calm down. “Keep quiet,” he said with a finger on his lip. Though Virat Kohli made a name for himself as a brash young kid whose temper would often get the better of him, it was that moment that showed a sense of leadership.

Since then, Kohli has gone on to become one of the best batsmen in world cricket. Barring a few tough phases, he has largely been dominant with the bat and has signified the youth of India on the field of play. Even as a young man, he was touted as the next leader waiting in the wings. At the age of 23, he was appointed vice-captain to MS Dhoni — ahead of senior pros such as Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Hopes were pinned on the young man’s shoulders to take the nation forward on the cricket field.

So far, Kohli has led India in 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), out of which India have won nine. If one keeps the Zimbabwe series of 2013 out of the equation, then India have won four of seven. During the tri-series in the Caribbean, his leadership was tested after Dhoni had pulled out due to injury. However, he was able to lead from the front with the bat and script a recovery to qualify for the final. During the Asia Cup this year, Kohli faced his first failure as international captain. India lost to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which knocked them out of contention for the final. However, it should be noted that this was a weakened Indian side, without the likes of Dhoni and Suresh Raina. His batting has remained unaffected by the responsibility: As a captain he averages 65.12 and has scored three tons in 12 ODIs. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli has led Royal Challengers Bangalore 40 times and they have won 19 and lost 18.

There have been times when Kohli’s captaincy has been tested. Reacting to pressure situations hasn’t been the easiest task for him. Of course, his chances have only come when Dhoni has been away. Comparisons are inevitable with Dhoni being one of the calmest people on the field. Kohli’s persona is different. He is more expressive and doesn’t shy away from a confrontation unlike Dhoni, who channels all his aggression in his game. Invariably, people pin the blame on Kohli’s nature if he fails to produce the goods on the field.

Though Kohli isn’t the same “brash kid” who made his debut in 2008, he would do well to take a leaf out of Dhoni’s book. Kohli is a lot more mature now, and has built a solid work ethic, He has seen tough times on the highest stage, and knows what it takes to succeed in international cricket. He has evolved into a role model for some of the younger cricketers going around. But, he would know that there is always the extra mile to go. Of course, he must retain his firebrand persona as long as it is in control, but it would do him no harm to take a lesson from the Dhoni school of thought.

Kohli gets these three ODIs against Sri Lanka to lead India, and it is a significant opportunity for him. It is important in context of India’s succession plans as it isn’t clear how long Dhoni will continue after the ICC World Cup 2015. The Indian skipper has captained, batted and led his side in all formats and there will come a time when he would have to walk away from at least one, as he has suggested in the past. In that regard, every opportunity Kohli gets is important and if he does well, it would only inspire more confidence to hand him the reins when the time comes.

Complete coverage of Sri Lanka tour of India 2014

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)

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