Is Virat Kohli India’s captain for all formats?

The senior selection committee headed by MSK Prasad has been around for about three months now. The time is not far off when they will have to take the toughest call of their stint -whether MS Dhoni is still the right man to lead India in white-ball cricket, or whether the man who can seemingly can do no wrong, Virat Kohli, is ready to take over in ODIs and T20Is too.

As things stand, the Indian squad has responded magnificently to Kohli`s leadership over a period of two years in the Test arena. The fact is responsibility seems to bring out the best in Kohli the batsman and leader. Time and again, Kohli has enhanced his credentials as the man who should be in charge of proceedings in ODIs, especially with the 50-over World Cup in England about two-and-a-half years away.

"The decision to continue with Dhoni or initiate changes will happen soon. My guess is that the picture will become clear by the end of the Champions Trophy in England next summer. That`s when selectors will have to sit down and take a call on whether Dhoni should continue leading until the 2019 World Cup," former India opener Aakash Chopra told TOI on Tuesday.

Chopra, who now tracks the fortunes of the Indian team as a leading commentator, reckons that it`s never easy for any player, no matter how brilliant, to come back into the national team, play a few matches and then exit the scene for extended periods of time. "As things stand, a lot of Tests are being played these days. That`s making it difficult for MS to be a part of the team for long periods. No matter what the calibre of a player, it is difficult to come back, perform well and then again stay out," he explained.

"Test cricket is back at the top of the pecking order as far as international fixtures are concerned. Not long ago it was ODIs that ruled the roost. That`s making Dhoni`s task even more difficult."

Every captain needs time to settle in. Dhoni enjoyed this luxury once he was named skipper for the first time in 2007. This played no small role in him moulding his side that eventually went on to win the 2011 World Cup. It`s only to be expected that Kohli will get sufficient time to build a squad that will eventually compete in England.

Former India spinner Maninder Singh said: "I have been advocating this idea for the last one year. The time is ripe for Kohli to take over the mantle in all three formats. I have nothing against MS Dhoni. It`s just the way Virat has been leading the side in Tests that makes me believe he should be the one captaining in ODIs also. In fact, it will only help Dhoni`s cause if he is relieved of captaincy.

He can focus fully on his batting, since, I believe he is keen to be around till the next World Cup. A major hurdle that Dhoni now faces is that he is away from the team more than he is a part of it. He is coming back for ODIs but they are for such short durations. So I don`t think it`s helping his rhythm."

Chopra, however, feels Dhoni is still India`s best wicketkeeper batsman and he should be allowed to take his own call on his future.

Source: Times of India