Virat Kohli: I play my cricket aggressively and my captaincy will be likewise

Virat Kohli will lead India in the opening Test against Australia starting on Tuesday

India and Australia will finally square off against each other in the first Test of the 4-match Test series at Adelaide on Tuesday. The Australians would be relieved that Michael Clarke has been cleared fit to lead his side. However, there was no such luck for the Indians as MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the Test.

Kohli prepared to captain Test team

In the absence of Dhoni, Virat Kohli will be leading India for the very first time in Test cricket. He has been impressive in the few matches that he has led the team in coloured clothing, but he will know that leading the country in whites would be a different ball game altogether. Confirming that he indeed will be leading India tomorrow, the 26-year-old said that Dhoni will need three more days to recover fully from his finger injury and the team management didn’t want to take any chances.

“I will be leading the team tomorrow. We are expecting MS to be a 100 per cent fit in the next three-four days maximum. Given the kind of preparation he wants in Australia before playing a Test, it is too short a time for him to play the first Test without having much practice here,” Kohli said.

Dhoni arrived in Australia on Friday and had a more than decent hit at the nets on Sunday. Kohli spoke about the importance of having Dhoni with the group and said that he has received a few tips from the World Cup-winning captain.

“MS coming in is always a help for the younger guys in the team. His inputs are ever so important for the team. Just discussing things with him and taking a few tips on what we are thinking of doing and how we want to go about it is very helpful. He has been there, done that, has seen possibly every situation in cricket. It’s always great to bounce things off him, get the feedback and utilize what you can,” the Delhi batsman added.

Players are comfortable in what they do

The right-hander added that the team has come to Australia to win the series and said that there is a happy atmosphere within the dressing room.

“We have spoken about our combinations and plans and we have planned the things we want to achieve, not hoping to achieve. That’s where we want to change things – we have come here with the mindset of winning the series rather than just going out there and seeing what happens. Unless you really believe in something, you will not achieve it. That’s our motto on this tour and leading up to the World Cup as well.

“The most challenging task for the captain and the team management is keeping everyone in the team on the same page. That’s something we have done quite nicely in the last few days. The guys are happy with what is expected off them and they are very comfortable,” Kohli said.

Kohli wants team to be positive

One of the differences between the contingent that has gone now and the ones that have gone before is that this team has very little experience of playing cricket down under. Hence, Kohli feels that it is critical for the players to keep a positive mindset at all times and help in contributing to the team’s cause.

“Maintaining a positive mindset will be very important. It is very easy for someone who doesn’t do well in the beginning to start sulking as the series progresses and drift away from the kind of mindset we require to win.

“That is something we are trying to change. We are trying to keep everyone in the right mindset by showing them that we back them and have faith in them. I want all the players to think about how they can make the team win, rather than worry about their individual performances. That’s one area where I personally thought we could improve on.

“Sometimes, we get too caught up with our own technique and game rather than paying attention to the team plans. These look like very small things but in a team they are big factors,” he said.

One of India’s best bowling attacks?

He also admitted that this was one of the best fast bowling lineups that India have taken for an overseas trip and added that he would continue to be aggressive with his tactics.

“This is one of the best bowling attacks we have had in Test cricket for a while now with guys who bowl quick, are fit, ready to go and most importantly, are bowling well. It feels good as a captain.

“[Whether we go in with five bowlers or four] is a decision we will take after seeing what serves us best. We have to believe that whatever combination we go in with, we are going to get positive results out of it. There is no point taking a safer approach. Rather than going in with a combination that looks safe, I’d prefer having an attack that is more aggressive and more out there.

“I am personally going to go with whatever my gut feel is and so, you might see quite different things than what you usually do. It might look funny at times but as long as it is effective, I will go with it. I play my cricket aggressively and that’s something I will try to bring in my captaincy as well,” he said.

Talking about the use of the bouncer, the RCB captain said that it is the bowler’s right to use the short-pitched ball and his bowlers will not hesitate to bowl it, if the need arises.

“I don’t think that’s even a thing of debate. Bouncer is a part of cricket and it is every bowler’s right to utilize it. If and when it is involved in our plans, we will use it. I don’t think we will drift away from our plans and wills tick to them,” he concluded.