#NewsBytesExclusive: Decoding Virat Kohli's captaincy
Kohli's men in blue scripted history, when they became the first Indian team to win an ODI series in South Africa. Team India has come a long way since Kohli took over the reins from Dhoni. The team is much more aggressive in its approach and the credit goes to the captain. Hence we decided to decode Kohli's captaincy.
Always going for the win
Kohli led Team India has a whole new vigour. It's not an easy task to take over from India's most successful captain and continue the winning run. Kohli just didn't do a good job in filling in Dhoni's shoes, he even improved India's record. Kohli will always go for the kill. Win or lose he is always ready for a contest.
India hardly taste defeat under Kohli
India are turning into a formidable force under Kohli. The Delhi batsman has captained India in 48 ODIs and has led the team to victory 37 times. India have lost just 10 ODIs under Kohli's captaincy. He boasts a staggering 78.72 win percentage in ODIs. His predecessor, MS Dhoni had a win percentage of 59.57%.
Big, bold and brave decisions
Kohli has been bold in his decision making. It was a tough decision to keep established stars like Ashwin and Jadeja out of the squad. Kohli replaced them with Kuldeep and Chahal and introduced a whole new attacking mindset into India's bowling. Today, we are hailing the performance of these wrist spinners and that's because economy doesn't concern Kohli, wickets is what he needs.
Fitness is the mantra under Virat Kohli
Not just bold decisions, fitness is the mantra of the Indian cricket team under Virat Kohli. Every Indian team member has to undergo the Yo-Yo endurance test and only those who pass the Test make it to the squad. Established stars like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina had failed the test in the past and didn't make it to the squad.
His fighting spirit lifts the team
India arrived in South Africa, earlier this year, with Kohli facing his biggest test as the captain. India lost the first two Tests but Indian captain's fighting spirit was apparent when his team stood behind him in the third Test to clinch a dramatic victory. India carried the same momentum in to the ODIs and they look invincible.
His command and authority is like no other
Kohli has authority and conviction over his team. The team acts as their captain wants. No Indian captain in the past has had such power or authority over his squad. To add to that, Kohli thrives under pressure.
Anchor of India's batting line-up
Kohli leads from the front. If the openers fail to put a score on board, Kohli ensures he anchors India's innings. In the last 5 ODI series, India's second wicket partnership has averaged 100 plus in four of them. Kohli is not just an inspiring captain but his individual performances lift the team and push them to do better.
