Published: Jun 16, 2015, 12:58 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 16, 2015, 03:09 PM (IST)
Virat Kohli is now India’s Test captain. He has been handed the job full-time after the retirement of Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the Australia tour in December 2014. Kohli has been groomed as a leader for quite some time now and has shown qualities as a leader. He looks the right contender to lead the national side in every format. Suraj Choudhari lists down seven reasons why Kohli should be appointed as the Indian skipper in every format.
1. Mentoring from Dhoni
The whole world took notice of Kohli’s leadership qualities in the Adelaide Test, where India almost tasted success. He was aggressive and his approach was astute. There were areas where he showed a little bit of immaturity, but that can happen to a young new skipper. But with Dhoni around, Kohli can enhance his leadership skills under the former.
2. Reduce burden on Dhoni
Making his debut in 2004-05, Dhoni came into the side as a power hitter. He entertained the fans with his massive hits and fearless stroke-play. But over the time he successfully altered the game to meet the requirements of the team. If Kohli takes over as a captain, it will ease the workload on Dhoni. It’s not been easy for Dhoni to captain the side, be a batsman and also keep wickets — and that too across formats. Without the burdens of captaincy, Dhoni can bring in greater value as a batsman. Another reason why Kohli should lead India in all three formats of the game.
3. An eye on the next World Cup
Dhoni’s participation in the next World Cup is highly doubtful as age and fitness will be a huge factor at almost 38. If Kohli is to take over as the next skipper for the shorter formats, then this is the right time for the baton to pass on to him from Dhoni. A captain needs time to settle down. England made the mistake of appointing Eoin Morgan just before the 2015 World Cup with disastrous consequences.
4. Proven credentials
Kohli has led India to title triumph in the Under-19 World Cup ion 2008. He has also done well captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore leading stalwarts like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers.
5. Ability to perform under pressure
In a recent interview, the great Michael Holding said, “captaincy could make Kohli an even better cricketer.” Kohli enjoys pressure and delivers better under pressure. In the last IPL, he scored 505 runs as the captain for RCB. On the recent Australian tour, he scored three centuries in his four innings as a captain. This speaks much about his volume to deliver when it matters the most.
6. Fresh strategies
Cricket has transformed enormously and with new rules coming into play a captain’s job has become more laborious as he is always under the pump. Aggressive and attacking captainship is the mantra for success in contemporary cricket. Brendon McCullum with his aggressive tactics has successfully marshaled the New Zealand side on several occasions. Steve Smith has also shown his aggressive instincts in his sporadic appearances as a captain. Dhoni, though a very good leader, doesn’t have anything to prove and the changing times demand a need of fresh ideas. Kohli is acknowledged for his belligerent approach, and it’s time he takes over.
7. Age factor
Most of the successful captains of India started at a very early age. Sourav Ganguly became the full-time captain at 27. By 27, even Dhoni was leading India in all the formats. Both men were very successful and led India to newer heights. Kohli will be 27 in a few months time and the time is ripe for him to take over the mantle.
(Suraj Choudhari, an avid cricket follower who plays the sport at club level, is a staffer with Criclife)
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