Kohli's aggressiveness as captain is in stark contrast to Dhoni's calm nature, and former will go all out to get desired results for India
Indian cricket fans are used to seeing the calm and composed leadership skills of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But the ruthless and aggressive captaincy by Virat Kohliagainst Sri Lanka in the ongoing ODI series is turning out to be a refreshing and interesting change for Team India and its supporters too.
Kohli, who has been given the leadership role after selectors decided to give the much-needed rest to Dhoni, believes in going for the kill straightaway rather wait for things to happen. He brings his character into his leadership and does what he wants to do in his own terms.
Sample this. Having won the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad, Kohli did not choose to stay humble. Instead, he went on to say that he was going to be "ruthless" so the opposition cannot relax.
"It's about being ruthless for us, and winning every game. That's the kind of passion all these guys have, it's a matter of bringing it out. We have to keep the team closest to the combination we want to take into the World Cup, and let those guys play their roles better instead of trying to experiment too much at this point of time. It's about finding the perfect combination that we feel 100 per cent sure of going into the World Cup," Kohli had said.
The Delhi dasher meant what he said. He has been ruthless and churning out win after win. For the record, India are have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead with two to go, thrashing the visitors mercilessly. It is a different matter, that Sri Lanka have not played to their potential.
Kohli is not only aggressive or proactive. He is more than style over substance. A good strategist and a brave leader who is unafraid to take tough decisions.
Who would have thought that one would push himself down the batting order, especially after returning to form following a disastrous England tour. Kohli promoted Ambati Rayudu to his designated No. 3 position in the second ODI in Ahmedabad, where the latter proved his talent with an unbeaten 121 that won India the game. Later, Rayudu acknowledged Kohli's confidence in him.
Another instance that highlighted Kohli's bravado was when he dropped left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner from Saurashtra has been Dhoni's go-to man for some time. It has been seen that Dhoni persisted with Jadeja even when he is off colour. However, Kohli has proved that's not the case with him. You either perform or perish.
Kohli has done the unthinkable twice by dropping Jadeja in the first and third games and has preferred a more economical and consistent bowler in another left-arm orthodox Akshar Patel, who is turning out to be more effective.
The other sample of Kohli wearing his thinking cap apart from his heart on his sleeve was when he took the Batting Powerplay early in the 24th over after a cracking start by the openers. The batsmen – Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan – churned out 60 runs in five overs that helped India reach a 350-plus total. What followed was only praises for Kohli from all quarters.
"Taking the Powerplay early worked well today. I bounced the idea off to Duncan when I was sitting next to him because both batsmen were well set," was what he had to say.
These may be the strategies that got attention but there have been others too like bringing in part-timer Ambati Rayudu to dismiss in-form Tillakaratne Dilshan (53) in the third ODI.
Former India all-rounder and ex-Delhi coach Manoj Prabhakar, who has seen Kohli from close quarters, appreciates his aggression. "He is not someone who is calm. He is an aggressive player. He will appreciate performers and at the same time will not shy away for being strict against non-performers. He will be jovial as well as someone who will always put you on your toes," said Prabhakar.
"He is not afraid to take tough decisions. He will not stay calm if somebody is wrong or not good. He will say it on the face as he is not a manipulator. He will ensure that everybody has to give 100 per cent. If Dhoni would have been there, then Jadeja would not have been dropped but Kohli dropped him. He is a shrewd captain," he added.
Prabhakar wants Kohli to prove himself in the Tests. "He has the attitude and aggression but that has been in one dayers. I want him to be successful in Tests outside India – Australia. I am saying this because I know he can do it," said Prabhakar.
Prabhakar believes this is the right time to groom Kohli as future India captain. "Why not? If he does well, then why not continue with him. We should groom him. It is a very good chance for Virat and he would not leave this opportunity," he added.
Kohli's remarkable moves
Dropping himself to promote Ambati Rayudu to No. 3 in the 2nd ODI. Rayudu goes on to to score unbeaten 121.
Drops regular left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja for a rookie like Akshar Patel in the first and third games. Patel proves with performances like – 2/24 (1st ODI), 2/39 (2nd ODI), 3/40 (3rd ODI)
Takes Batting Powerplay from 24th to 28th overs (India knock off 62/0 in this period) in 1st ODI
Promotes Suresh Raina (52) to No. 3 to capitalise on the fantastic start given by openers Dhawan and Rahane in the first ODI
Brings in part-time off spinner Ambati Rayudu and the move clicks. He gets well set Tillakaratne Dilshan for 53
