Virat Kohli, embarking on his first tour of Australia as captain, has promised that his squad will be positive and aggressive.
Ravi Shastri, Director of Cricket, expressed confidence in the youngster’s leadership on a long and difficult tour, involving four Tests.
Kohli, taking over the reins from Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the first Test in Brisbane, expressed his views on the opportunities as well as the challenges facing the team.
“The intent is to be positive and aggressive at the same time. We want to ensure that the team retains this mindset throughout the Test series.”
Kohli is well aware of what is in store for teams visiting Australia, and also how to deal with the situation.
“I had a career-changing tour the last time we were in Australia. I hope the players do the same.”
Speaking at a pre-departure media briefing, Kohli said: “The idea is to be positive every day, every minute each day. We have picked a particular combination for the Test series. The team management will give them confidence over a full series.”
Shastri, answering questions about India’s Test performance against Australia in the past, said: “Whatever happened in the past, let it remain in the past.
“The focus will be to not get intimidated by the Australian record against teams which have toured there.”
With Dhoni expected to join the squad for the second Test and a youngster being in-charge, Shastri said: “Dhoni has hardly missed a match before. Kohli, as skipper, is such that I can assure you that we will feel that he has captained 25 Tests.”
Kohli put things in perspective when he said: “As a team we do not promise anything. The highs when we win and the criticism on losing are created by people asking questions.
“We want to keep the balance the emotions and try to be consistent in what we do, backing ourselves all the way.”