Squad for Zimbabwe tour is strong: Virat Kohli

The India team for the upcoming ODI series in Zimbabwe is missing some key players, including MS Dhoni, but stand-in skipper for the tour Virat Kohli described the squad as a strong one.

‘I don’t think experience matters, especially in limited overs game. You need 11 players, who are hungry for success, hardworking and whose vision is team victory. All 15 players are good 

and it is a strong unit,’ said Kohli at a promotional event on Friday.

India will take on Zimbabwe in a five-match ODI series starting 24 July. The squad is without R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma. Kohli said if the team performs in a

manner similar to its display over the last month-and-a-half, it will be good for Indian cricket.

‘I can’t guarantee. If we continue this way, it will be a good time for Indian cricket. A lot of things that would make people happy,’ he said.

The 24-year-old said he liked to lead from the front and set an example to others. ‘I always like to lead from the front and set an example for whoever is playing with or around me. I like 

taking responsibilities. It’s natural thing for me,’ he said.

Kohli also said he aimed to be fearless. ‘The best quality is to not be afraid of anything. Even if you have seniors or players with lot more experience in your team, you need to have confidence in your ability and think you can lead them. It is important you set an example with your performance quickly and then you gain respect.

‘If the respect is mutual between players and captain then the side is successful. It comes from performance and when you win matches for the team, that inspiration spreads in the team,’ he concluded.