Sharma has led India in the past and with some degree of success as well, leading the team to victory in the Nidahas Trophy triangular Twenty20 series after having secured a 2-1 ODI series win and a 3-0 T20I series victory against Sri Lanka last year.

But the Asia Cup is a big tournament and Sharma is understandably cautious. “Captaincy is a big responsibility,” he told reporters on the eve of India’s match against Hong Kong. “I’ve done it before in a series, but this is a very big tournament for me. I’m quite excited. A bit nervous, obviously, but very excited.”

“A lot of guys have played that position, and of course, going forward, we want everything to be settled. (The tournament) gives opportunities to guys to come play the cricket they like to play and seal the spot.

“If you look at the future, of course, you want your team to be settled. Even the guys who are eyeing those spots, they want to be settled. Nobody likes being dropped and then brought back. We want everyone to feel safe and settled, so that they can play freely.”

Watch England in the Caribbean for as little as £1,305 with ST Sports, official tour operator for the Windies’ international home series in 2019