After MS Dhoni suddenly decided to retire from Test cricket late last year, there were not many contenders to replace Dhoni as captain in the longer format. Hence, the onus fell on Virat Kohli, who has been doing very well for the Indian team, irrespective of the format.
While Indian cricket fans -- one of the most passionate ones in world cricket -- want immediate results, it might be too much to ask from Kohli, who needs some time to lead the side.
Kohli might be performing well with the willow in his hand, but captaining a nation is a different matter altogether, and former Indian captain Rahul Dravid feels we need to be patient with the 26-year-old.
"We need to be patient with Virat, need to give him time and allow him to grow in his role," PTI quoted Dravid as saying.
Kohli has only played 34 Test matches and is still on the learning curve, hence it is not right to demand immediate results from the start.
The Indian team have struggled overseas, which is one aspect of Indian cricket that has to improve. But Kohli does not have to worry about it immediately, as the Indian team are expected to play plenty of home series in the next 30 months or so.
"India will be playing a lot many home series in the span of two-and-a-half years, which is going to be a good chance for them to establish themselves. It will give Virat Kohli as Test captain the time to settle, and I think he needs time."
With India playing more at home, he will get in terms with leading the team and understand the basic needs of captaining the side.
Kohli evidently has a different approach when it comes to leading a side -- Dhoni was as cool as a cucumber when it comes to his attitude while Kohli is aggressive and does not mince words -- and one can expect the team to be more aggressive under his leadership.
The change is already being witnessed in the recent one off Test match against Bangladesh, where Indian batsmen, especially Shikhar Dhawan, have taken on the Bangladeshi bowlers quite well.
If this is the same approach taken in the future series', Indians under Kohli might be one of the most entertaining sides in world cricket.
