Elevated to the position of vice-captain of 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, informed 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 yesterday, has replaced Virender Sehwag as the deputy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the four-nation tournament, starting on March 11.

Sehwag, who is battling an indifferent 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 said.

"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 Down Under and as well as in the preceding four-match Test series against Australia.

Today the selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth said that the decision to promote Kohli as the vice-captain was taken keeping India`s future in mind.

And Sharma revealed that Kohli is always up for the 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 yesterday and wanted to know the reactions back home.

PTI