Kohli looks to inspire by word and deed and he wants the job. On the last tour of Australia in 2011-12, Dhoni had spoken about how he would step down if India can find a better captain.

"We didn't play for a draw. We played to win. And we need to maintain this approach if we want to win overseas. Playing for a draw is a negative approach," said Virat Kohli in the post-match conference after India had lost the Adelaide Test by 48 runs. "Even before we slept, I told the boys that no matter what target is set in the morning, we will go for a win. We have to believe we can chase it."

These were words that warmed the heart. Words that eased the pain. Words that showed us just how Kohli will be as a captain. Words that make us wish the move is now made permanent.

Too often in the recent past have we seen India settle for a dull, dour approach; too often have we seen them settle for a draw when it might have been possible to go for a win and too often it has been under the captainship of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. With a target of 364 being set by Australia, we might have seen that happen all over again.

But Kohli thought differently. His attitude is refreshing and despite the defeat -- we are filled with optimism because India fought till the very end... fought to win till the very end. Yes, we failed but it was glorious.

India's record in their last 18 Tests away from home reads: L L L L W D D L L D L L L L L L L L. One win, three draws and 15 losses. If that isn't an advertisement for change in leadership then nothing else is.

Far too often in the past has the argument been stalled by the fact that India lacked any real options to replace Dhoni as also by Kohli's own struggles in the longer format. But now, if ever, it is time to embrace the momentum and go with Kohli as skipper -- even if Dhoni is fit; even if Dhoni will play in Brisbane.

Kohli also said that regardless of Dhoni coming back into the team, he would like to continue speaking to the boys in the same way.

"Will be very happy that Dhoni's fit for 2nd Test. But dont need (c) in front of my name to talk to players. Have enough respect and friendship in team to be able to talk to them whether I am captain or not. That's my job," he said. "The closer you are to your mates, the more consistent you will be. There is criticism and praise. But the consistency comes from the group. We all need to be on the same page. We need to be thinking in the same way."

Kohli's approach is clearly to get everyone on board. He praised Karn Sharma despite a tough debut, the other players got kudos for their attitude.

"Almost everyone thought we would lose easily. This team showed character and showed that experience doesn't matter as much," added Kohli.

Dhoni, on the other hand, can seem dismissive at times (just ask Stuart Binny, Abhishek Nayar or Ambati Rayudu). And that is clearly not what the young team needs. The generation gap between Dhoni and the rest is now starting to become apparent -- as is the difference in attitude. These guys want to take a chance even as Dhoni, especially overseas, looks to play safe.

Kohli obviously enjoys the responsibility of captaining the side and leading from the front. His two back-to-back centuries will leave him feeling very confident and that will allow him to push for results in the middle. Tactically, he could be better. For example, the decision to leave Varun Aaron out of the attack for the first 31 overs in the second innings did strike one as strange. But it is all part of the learning curve and over the years, Kohli has shown himself to be quick learner.

In sharp comparison, Dhoni's impact in ODIs is great but in Tests, it pales in comparison to other players. He is not a match-winning batsman and as a wicket-keeper one can only do so much. His initial bravado as skipper has given way to safety first tactics and strange excuses. In fact, on most days, he seems rather bored in the middle.

Kohli looks to inspire by word and deed and he wants the job. On the last tour of Australia in 2011-12, Dhoni had spoken about how he would step down if India can find a better captain.

"It's not something I want to hold on to or stick on to. If there's a better replacement, it's a very open thing, he can come in," Dhoni had said just before of India's Twenty20 international against Australia in January 2012. "At the end of the day, you want India to perform. If there is someone who can do a better job, then it's a place that should be given to him. It's not something you have to cling on to. It's not a position that belongs to anyone."

And it's time to let it go now.

Kohli is better and he is the replacement India need. It was that apparent. It is time to move on and let a new generation take over. Dhoni should continue to be part of the team and help Kohli in much the same way that Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid helped him.

The ball, as they say, is in Dhoni's court and now is the time to show us that he isn't all talk.