Zimbabwe-bound squad is a strong unit, says Kohli

The Indian team for the upcoming ODI series in Zimbabwe is missing some key players, including inspirational captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who have been rested. However, Virat Kohli, who will captain the side, is unfazed.

"I don't think experience matters, especially in the limited-overs’ game. You need 11 players who are hungry for success, who are hard-working and whose vision is team victory.

“All 15 players are strong and it is a strong unit, which is good," he said, at a promotional event in Mumbai on Friday.

The squad that will take on Zimbabwe in a five-match series from July 24 to August 3 is without the services of Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma.

Kohli said if the team performs the way it did 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 added.

Over the last couple of months, the team, led by Dhoni, lifted the ICC Champions Trophy in England and then clinched the tri-series in the West Indies, in which Sri Lanka was the third outfit.

The 24-year-old, who has played 108 ODIs and also featured in the 2011 World Cup-winning squad led by Dhoni, said he likes to lead from the front and set an example to others.

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"I always like to lead from the front and set an example for whoever is playing with me or around me. I like taking responsibilities. That is a natural thing for me," he said.

Kohli, who is the face of superhero toy Max Steel, said he aims 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 said.