Change of guard seems a seamless affair

Virat Kohli may have been in charge of India’s team. But ahead of the belligerent batsman’s first training session as captain of India across all three formats, it was his predecessor who continued to hog the limelight. As the India cricketers exited the team bus at the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s stadium on the outskirts of Pune, Kohli, with his earphones, took a quiet exit, while Dhoni was surrounded by four security guards as he walked into the dressing room. Minutes later, the duo was involved in a long chat after the players finished jogging. If an HR professional had witnessed it, he or she may have perceived it as a handover meeting. Later too, the duo was seen engaged in a light-hearted discussion during the team’s warm-up. Soon afterwards, both moved on to have their batting stints. They had an extended session against the pacers and spinners alike before moving on to the outfield for fielding drills. All through the team’s three-hour training session, the camaraderie between Dhoni and Kohli seemed unaffected by the recent passing of the baton. Dhoni, certainly, appeared to be relaxed, even tending to one of the 24 dogs who take care of the sprawling stadium’s security. The most successful India captain was also involved in a chat with coach Anil Kumble and ace off-spinner R. Ashwin. Kohli also appeared to be his usual self, and was one of the last players to retire into the dressing room. Different styles The change of guard would mean that all the players in the team will have to adjust to a different style of captaincy. Ashwin spelt out the changes that he, as a spinner, would have to cope with, when the first of the three ODIs is staged here on Sunday. “It will be different in terms of the interactions you’ll have. Before, when I used to play alongside Mahi (Dhoni), it was almost about communication from top of the mark to the ’keeper. And it is going to be very different (now),” Ashwin said. “Obviously, Virat will be around at short midwicket or short cover but it is going to be different. We have to try and get used to those communications. Virat, on occasions, can be a little aggressive and that’s one thing that I need to try and adjust to. And obviously, giving those extra runs to try and get a wicket is not such a bad thing.” Ashwin also elaborated on the difference between Dhoni and Kohli’s captaincy styles. “I’ve never played under Virat, even at RCB. I just played one whole ODI series with him (as skipper) against Sri Lanka. He likes attacking, he likes picking up wickets in the middle overs. Even at the cost of some runs. “I feel Mahi is going to hold the key because he’s the ’keeper and he’s going to bring that invaluable experience with him. It’s going to be very, very important that we try and take as much valuable inputs from him and try and take the team forward,” said Ashwin. Date is the new trainer Not only does India’s ODI contingent have a new captain but, on Wednesday, it also saw the addition of a new strength and conditioning expert.

Anand Date, who has been associated with the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, took over from Shankar Basu as the team’s trainer. Basu, according to a BCCI statement, has “opted for a break”.