Virat Kohli aware of added pressue due to MS Dhoni's absence at the Asia Cup

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni

Virat Kohli has admitted that Team India will miss the presence of MS Dhoni and agrees that it will be taking a big chance to play without Dhoni in the team.

While addressing first press conference in Dhaka, Kohli said: “He [Dhoni] has been a very important player and led the team very well. We have been consistent in one-dayers and one big reason has been his consistency and captaincy. Not having him will be a big change. But I am sure these guys will be eagerly waiting to grab their opportunities.”

On being addressed as a successor to Dhoni he clarified: “I have only captained in about eight games now. They have been pretty good but it’s a big tournament, my first as a captain. It’s a challenge I am looking forward to. These things [succeeding Dhoni as skipper] have been said for a while. I don’t look into something unless I am appointed. I don’t think I need to change my approach too much. I felt I need to take more responsibility as a batsman. I’m very excited to be captain in this tournament”.

Hoping to perform well in the tournament, Kohli emphasised: “I think it’s a great chance when people think that we aren’t in the best of forms; to come out of this phase is a challenge that we will like to relish.”

On the much highlighted issue of thrilling Indo-Pak encounter, he said: “We haven’t just come here to play one game and go back home. Playing against Pakistan is always a very hyped game for us. We take every game the same way and the aim is to win the tournament. We will like to go all the way and win the tournament”.

It is pertinent to add that the millions of die hard Indian cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see India coming back strong after recent failures and regaining their supremacy in world cricket.