Why it is not too early to make Virat Kohli Test captain

Tags: India, Virat Kohli

Published on: Nov 20, 2014

Those who are assuming that the conclusion to elevate Virat Kohli to Test captaincy has been made on the basis of his performance as leader in the home series against Sri Lanka are wrong. The fact is that MS Dhoni is well past his sell-by day

Those who are assuming that the conclusion to elevate Virat Kohli to Test captaincy has been made on the basis of his performance as leader in the home series against Sri Lanka are wrong. The fact is that MS Dhoni is well past his sell-by day, at least as Test leader. He can continue in the shorter formats, but in Tests, India desperately need a change. Dhoni's Test captaincy has been pretty much ragged over the last three years, and the same has been evident in his leadership away as well as at home. Kohli may not have a lot of experience as leader yet, but inexperience as leader might not prove to be a bad thing after all.

There is no right time as such to appoint a new leader. And, experience definitely needn't always be the criteria to choose to new leader. There have been numerous instances in the past where rookie people have taken over and have led their side to great heights. Take the example of Stephen Fleming. The former New Zealand captain was only a couple of years into international cricket when he was handed over the reins. With Graeme Smith, the preparation period was even shorter. However, both went on to prove highly successful captains of their era, earning the respect of their opponents in the process.

With Kohli, it is being said that since his batting had taken a beating in England, he must concentrate on improving his batting skills in Australia. After all, India need Kohli the captain more than Kohli the leader. While that is understandable, one wonders whether that is enough to let the current status of Indian cricket in Tests remain as shabby as it has been. Kohli the batsman will undoubtedly be tested in Australia, still if he does well in the first Test at Brisbane, India should consider continuing with him as leader. Even if he doesn't do well, he can gain valuable experience.

The problem with having Dhoni as Test leader is that India have developed a habit of losing under him. Look back at his away record as leader since 2011, and you will realise that India have only won one Test under him. On the contrary, they have been defeated in 13 Tests across England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Even at home, he couldn't prevent an England side from tasting victory in India after a long gap. Only an Indian captain with such a poor record can survive in international cricket. Dhoni has already outlived his span as Test captain, and the more they delay his replacement, the more the team is likely to suffer.

If Dhoni returns to the Indian side for the second Test in Australia, he would be expected to lead the side again. This, actually, will give a boost to the opponents, since by now, they are well aware of Dhoni's limitations as leader and batsman as well. His technique will be tested to the hilt Down Under as he struggled big time during the team's previous visit. In many ways, it is a do-or-die series for Dhoni the Test captain and batsman. But, don't be surprised if he survives another failure. This is Indian cricket after all.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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