Dronacharya Selected as Commander-in-Chief of Kaurava Army : Episode 143

Shakuni is rejoicing over Bhishma's fall and laughs uproariously. When Duryodhana asks him the reason for his happiness when everybody is in mourning, Shakuni explains that he is looking at this sad incident as an opportunity to introduce Karna and reverse the setbacks in their path and be victorious. Duryodhana is happy too.

Yudhishtra is worried whether they would be able to cope up with Karna heading the Kaurava army. Arjuna and Bhima are over-enthusiastic about confronting Karna successfully, but Yudhishtra sounds a note of caution. He is worried about the powerful Nagastra that Karna has and also about the vow that Karna has made. Krishna agrees that Yudhishtra's fears are valid. He smiles mysteriously and tells Yudhishtra not to worry on that account, though.

Ashwatthama is happy that the time has come for his father to showcase his prowess and win the war, as Drona is the most eligible candidate to be the commander-in-chief for the Kaurava army. Dronacharya tells him not to harbour such thoughts in his mind, because Duryodhana would want to make Karna the Chief Commander, and they are bound to follow the royal decree. Krupacharya and Ashwattama both feel that the interests of Kaurava would be best served by Drona alone.

As usual, veterans of the Kauravas hold a meeting to select the next commander and discuss the strategies for the next day's war. Duryodhana announces brightly that his friend Karna would take the place of Bhishma, but to his surprise, Karna declines the offer. Karna feels that a stalwart like Drona, who has been tutored under Sage Parasurama and who has vast expertise and experience is the right choice, and it would be his privilege to serve under him. Shakuni seconds this proposal and Drona, Krupacharya and Ashwatthama are joyous that Karna has recognized Drona's eminence.

Ashwatthama expresses his gratitude to Karna, and Karna says he knows the pain of not receiving recognition for true merit. To his disappointed friend Duryodhana he says that he did this, as it was the right step to ensure his friend's victory, which was the only thing that mattered most to him.

Kunti is woebegone thinking of the encounter between Arjuna and Karna. Whoever loses, the loss would be hers, as both of them were her sons. On the other hand, Yudhishtra expresses concern to Krishna about the incomparable valour of Karna, who had impressed him with his show of strength at the convocation..