A change in leadership is often accompanied with variations in thoughts. This is exactly what's happening in Indian cricket, with Virat Kohli taking over the mantle of Test leadership from MS Dhoni. Kohli is an aggressive personality, which reflects in his batting, and an impression of the same has been evident in his brief captaincy stint as well. While Dhoni was more inclined towards a defensive mindset, particularly during the latter part of his captaincy stint when he was struggling to deliver results, Kohli is ready to take risks. Having said that, it won't automatically make him a better captain.
As part of his aggressive approach, the new Indian Test captain has decided to try out Rohit Sharma at number three. He has openly backed Rohit to do well in that crucial position, although Cheteshwar Pujara has occupied that slot in the last couple of seasons with chequered results. In spite of his failures in recent series', Dhoni stuck with him, backing him to come good. In a traditional sense, it was an understandable move. The spot demands someone who is technically very sound, and can occupy the crease for long hours while anchoring the innings.
Kohli's mind, in contrast, seems to be going on a different tangent. He wants the number three player to be an aggressor, and thus has opted for Rohit. Even considering Pujara's recent run, the choice to promote Rohit is fraught with risk. If it comes off, nothing better for Indian cricket. But, the thing that needs to be kept in mind is the fact that Rohit is yet to establish himself in the Test eleven. He made his debut with two superlative hundreds against West Indies batting down the order, but his technique and temperament were exposed on away tours. He did not show the desired hunger to get the big runs. Rohit thus has a point to prove in Lanka.
Another aspect of India's game on which Kohli has stressed is the combination of the side. In sync with his aggressive approach, the Indian skipper is keen on playing five bowlers. This would mean that India would be heading into the Tests with five batsmen and a wicket-keeper. Kohli has expressed confidence in the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have Test hundreds to their names, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was among India's best batsmen in England. But, like the Rohit decision, this again would be a choice fraught with danger.
Undoubtedly, Kohli would be keen to make an impression in his first full series in charge. But, he needs to learn to strike a balance between aggression, and smart tactics. Playing only five batsmen and a wicket-keeper would mean putting a lot of pressure on the top and middle order, and of course keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who is still trying to establish himself. In case, India lose a few early wickets, they might find themselves in big trouble considering their weakened batting resources. The lower order cannot always be expected to bail them out. Kohli will be tested for sure.
--By A Cricket Analyst
