MS Dhoni's unavailability for the Asia Cup took many by surprise but not as much as it must have Virat Kohli who - other than re-tuning himself for subcontinent pitches after two overseas tours - will now have to worry about field placements, two new balls, Powerplays and the other triggers of a captain's migraine attack.
Dhoni's side strain has added to the list of Kohli's responsibilities. He will now be the leader of the whole team than just the batting alone and try to overturn a losing streak during the last two tours of South Africa and New Zealand, where India failed to win even a single game.
Kohli's biggest challenge to date is backed by a captaincy record that stands at a staggering seven wins in eight matches. However, five of those victories were credited to Kohli's account against minnows Zimbabwe, who India whitewashed on their tour of the African nation in 2013.
But the worry on captaincy front is slightly less than as leader of a young batting unit that will not have the cushion of a Dhoni at No. 6, which adds to Kohli's burden in Bangladesh. Against fellow Asian bigwigs Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Kohli will get first-hand experience of what it's like to strike a balance and perform both as a captain and as the team's chief source of runs.
The team's confidence took a hit in SA and NZ, especially due to the fact that they couldn't win even one ODI on those tours. That's unexpected from the reigning world champions, and Pakistan and Sri Lanka will try to keep those wounds fresh.
Therein lies the bigger challenge for Kohli to not only lead from the front but also not let the shoulders drop. And amid that, he will have to ensure that his batting doesn't get affected, which will be a body blow to India's title hopes.
Kohli agrees that Dhoni's absence leaves a big hole but hopes the youngsters will grab their chances. "He [Dhoni] has been a very important player and led the team very well. We have been consistent in one-dayers and one big reason has been his consistency and captaincy. Not having him will be a big change. But I am sure these guys will be eagerly waiting to grab their opportunities," the skipper said.
The Delhi batsman also admits Asia Cup captaincy throws up a big challenge for him. "I have only captained in about eight games now. They have been pretty good but it's a big tournament, my first as a captain. It's a challenge I am looking forward to," he said.
India play their first game against Bangladesh on Wednesday. Hope Kohli turns up - both as a batsman and as a captain.
Dhoni's side strain has added to the list of Kohli's responsibilities. He will now be the leader of the whole team than just the batting alone and try to overturn a losing streak during the last two tours of South Africa and New Zealand, where India failed to win even a single game.
Kohli's biggest challenge to date is backed by a captaincy record that stands at a staggering seven wins in eight matches. However, five of those victories were credited to Kohli's account against minnows Zimbabwe, who India whitewashed on their tour of the African nation in 2013.
But the worry on captaincy front is slightly less than as leader of a young batting unit that will not have the cushion of a Dhoni at No. 6, which adds to Kohli's burden in Bangladesh. Against fellow Asian bigwigs Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Kohli will get first-hand experience of what it's like to strike a balance and perform both as a captain and as the team's chief source of runs.
The team's confidence took a hit in SA and NZ, especially due to the fact that they couldn't win even one ODI on those tours. That's unexpected from the reigning world champions, and Pakistan and Sri Lanka will try to keep those wounds fresh.
Therein lies the bigger challenge for Kohli to not only lead from the front but also not let the shoulders drop. And amid that, he will have to ensure that his batting doesn't get affected, which will be a body blow to India's title hopes.
Kohli agrees that Dhoni's absence leaves a big hole but hopes the youngsters will grab their chances. "He [Dhoni] has been a very important player and led the team very well. We have been consistent in one-dayers and one big reason has been his consistency and captaincy. Not having him will be a big change. But I am sure these guys will be eagerly waiting to grab their opportunities," the skipper said.
The Delhi batsman also admits Asia Cup captaincy throws up a big challenge for him. "I have only captained in about eight games now. They have been pretty good but it's a big tournament, my first as a captain. It's a challenge I am looking forward to," he said.
India play their first game against Bangladesh on Wednesday. Hope Kohli turns up - both as a batsman and as a captain.
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