'Kohli is excited about his new role in the team'

Elevated to the position of vice-captain in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming Asia Cup in Dhaka, Virat Kohli is excited about his new role and confident of carrying out the responsibility entrusted upon him, says his coach Raj Kumar Sharma.

The 23-year-old Delhi lad, who scored an unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in a do-or-die match on Tuesday, replaced Virender Sehwag as the deputy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the four-nation tournament, starting on March 11.

Sehwag, who is battling poor form, has been rested due to some injury concerns.

"I spoke to him over phone and informed him that he has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team. He was sleeping at that time, but on hearing his elevation in the team he was very excited," the coach of the mercurial batsman, Raj Kumar Sharma told PTI Bhasha.

"Kohli likes to shoulder the responsibilities and he said the new role will inspire him to further excel his performance," Sharma revealed.

Kohli is the only Indian cricketer to have scored a century in the ongoing ODI tri-series as well as in the preceding four-match Test series against Australia.

On Wednesday, selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth said that the decision to appoint Kohli as the vice-captain was taken keeping India's future in mind.

Sharma said Kohli was always up for challenges.

"He likes challenges. He has full faith in his abilities and is full of self-belief. I am confident that if he gets an opportunity to lead the Indian team he will do a great job," he said.

Sharma also added that Kohli was very happy with his batting on Tuesday and was eager to know the reactions back home.