Adelaide: Excited to lead India for the first time in a Test, stand-in skipper Virat Kohli today described it as a “big moment” of his career and said his team is determined to play aggressive cricket against Australia when the opening match gets underway here Tuesday.
Kohli was handed the captaincy after Dhoni failed to regain complete fitness from a thumb injury.
“It is a big moment for me personally. I had always dreamt of playing Test cricket and now I am getting to lead India in a Test match. It wasn't expected but a series of events led to it,” Kohli told reporters.
“The good thing is that I captained in the last series back home. So I had that understanding and comfort factor with the guys. And they respect what I want on the field which is most important thing and they have helped me feel relaxed about it.
“I haven't given too much thought about being the captain though. My only job is to give them ideas and communicate better with the team. It all depends on how 10 other players play along with me. It is about 11 players and as long as they stick to the plans, I am going to look good as captain.”
It will be a change in scheme of things for Indian cricket with Dhoni ruled out. Kohli has an aggressive attitude and many will be expecting him to keep up with it whilst leading the side in the longer format, like he has done in the shorter format earlier.
“You might see things quite different from what you usually see,” said the stand-in skipper when asked about possible difference.
“I am someone who goes with what he feels so it might look funny but as long as it works, that's fine. The intent is going to be aggressive. That's something I use in my cricket and will try and use it in my captaincy as well.
“I don't mind a bit of chat or banter on the field. It probably makes me more determined but it is not the only thing that makes me determined. I am focused to do well all the time.
“Last time I played in Australia I enjoyed it. It was too much for me initially and I had to take it for the first couple Tests. But after a few incidents I figured out that there is no other way of playing cricket in Australia so I rather be myself,” he added.
