Virat Kohli, who has replaced MS Dhoni as captain of Indian team for Asia Cup beginning February 25, came to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s defence by stating that as a captain prais and criticism – both are part and parcel of the game.
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday after arriving in Bangladesh, Kohli said that captaining the team for a just one tournament is not comparable to leading the team on regular basis.
When asked abot MS Dhoni’s captaincy, he said: “I don’t think this is anything compared to what he (Dhoni) has gone through in the past few years, I am captain for just one tournament. It is completely different from regularly captaining the side. When you win, you’re praised, when you lose, you’re criticised. It is all a part of it.”
Dhoni, who is ruled out for the Asia cup tournament with a side strain, has in recent times come under heavy criticised especially for India’s overseas losses and many experts have former players and commentators suggested that Kohli is the right man for the job at least in Test cricket.
When asked about leading the side on permanent bases, the 25-year-old, who did not look too keen on the job, said. “I am not in a position right now to experience all that (accolades and brickbats as skipper of a national team). I have got this one-odd opportunity like I did in the past as well. I am sure it is a very tough position to be in. You have to be ready to take all the criticism and praise that comes your way.”
Kohli knows he has a huge challenge captaining his side against Asian powerhouses like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who knows India’s strength and weaknesses alike, in the tournament.
He, however, has been can draw comfort from his previous experience of leading Indian team in a tri-series in West Indies and in ODIs in Zimbabwe last year.
“I have only been captain for about eight games till now, it went pretty good but this is a big tournament. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. We have got a young group of guys and some exciting players.”
The five time champions – India – will begin the tournament on Wednesday when they play hosts Bangladesh in Fatuulah.
