Another day, a
UP FOR IT Stand-in captain Virat plays down personal milestones and wants to win the title at every cost
DHAKA: AN OPPORTUNITY
As Virat spoke, his leadership qualities became evident. He is eager to add bigger titles to his seven victories, off eight games, as captain “This is the first big tournament for me as captain. I have a decent record till now. I hope I can improve the record further,” he said.
“But it is nothing compared to what MS has gone through. You get praised when you win and the opposite when you lose. It’s a tough position to be in. But I don’t think of myself as the future captain unless I’m appointed like I am now.”
In fact, he also believed that the poor run of form could hold India in good stead.
“I think it’s a great chance when people think that we aren’t in the best of form. None of the guys in this team like losing. They will come out with great intent,” he asserted.
At a time when Indian cricket is at one of its lowest ebbs, the scrutiny over Dhoni’s role could get more intense if India’s fortunes play out the way Virat hopes them to. The first edition of the tournament was held in 1984 in Sharjah. Since 2008, the Asia Cup is a biennial event. Apart from regular nations, there are some associate nations too.
There are five teams. Each country plays the other once. There are no knockouts before the summit clash. The two teams with most points (best net run rate if the points are tied) progress to final.
Afghanistan
The Afghanistan national team was established in 2001 and it has been on a constant rise. It participated in the 2010 and 2012 World T20s and is scheduled to play in the 2014 event as well. They were awarded ODI status in 2009 and will make their World Cup debut Down Under next year.
VIRAT KOHLI
One of the few Indian batsmen in decent form, he will look to add to his ascending career graph. It will also present another picture of Kohli’s leadership ability, as he leads the side in MS Dhoni’s absence. MOHAMMAD SHAMI
He has been the most impressive of the young pacers. Apart from striking pace, Shami manages to maintain a consistent line and length. If only he can manage the same consistency during the death overs, he would do the India team a big favour. Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan
February 25
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
February 26 Bangladesh vs India
February 27
Afghanistan vs Pakistan
February 28
Sri Lanka vs India
March 1
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
March 2
India vs Pakistan
March 3:
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka
March 4
Bangladesh vs Pakistan
March 5
India vs Afghanistan
March 6
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka March 8 Final
India (5): 1984,1988, 199091,1995, 2010
Sri Lanka (4): 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008
Pakistan (2) : 2000, 2012
Defending Champion: Pakistan
Most titles: India
Most runs: Sanath Jayasuriya (1220) Most wickets: Muttiah Muralitharan (30)