Eleventh day of the war came. Kauravas were heat-broken and they were broken in spirit too, as Bhishma had gone. They were desparate and Karna was there only hope. All the Kauravas warriors went to Karna?a tent as he was preparing for the war. They found Karna was full of grief for Bhishma. Duryodhana embraced him and they wept for sometime. They comforted each other. Karna assured Duryodhana that he would fight for him without caring for his life. As fame was the only lasting thing, everything else dies but fame lasts. The Pandavas are formidable and their side has heroes like Satyaki, Abhimanyu etc. but let us fight with all our might. Duryodhana was certain that Karna will be able to kill Arjuna where Bhishma and Drona had failed. He went to his own tent in somewhat happier frame of mind.

Karna got ready and he went to Bhishma first. He stood there at his feet with folded hands. He said, "My lord, I am Karna, going for my first fight against the Pandavas. I will try to follow your path. It is matter of days now the war will be decided. I will do my duty for my friend. I seek your blessings." Bhishma took his hands in his hands and said, "Do your best. You are the only hope Duryodhana has. You are a great man in life. May your death be as great you wanted fame and unsullied name. You shall get both in ample measures. Your name will be remembered forever. You shall not be born in the world again. My blessings are with you. Bhishma put his hand on the bent head of Karna. He took leave of Bhishma. After saluting him he walked to his chariot. Karna appeared like a rising sun from the darkness in the battlefield. Kauravas?s army became cheerful after watching him.

Duryodhana welcomed Karna with great love and warmth. He asked Karna what was to be done.The commander in chief of the Kauravas army, Bhishma was lying of a bed of arrows. Everyone wants you to be the new commander. Karna said, "Your guru, Drona, is better suited to this task. He is wise, brave and righteous. He has no equal in archery. He is devoted to you. He is the best person for this task.

Duryodhana was pleased to hear Karna. He approached Drona, with folded hands and said, "My lord please accept the commandership of our army. After our grandfather you are the only one of his calibre." Drona was happy at the humility of Duryodhana. He said, "I am pleased with you. I accept this responsibility and I will lead the army to the best of my ability." He was formally coronated as the commander of the Kauravas army.

But army was more pleased by the presence of Karna on their side. He is better than Arjuna. He will certainly kill the Pandavas. He can win the war, was common refrain. Drona arranged the army in the Sakata Vyuha- meaning a wheel. It was a circular formation. The Pandavas preferred Krauncha Vyuha. Now Karna was in the forefront. He looked as pure and handsome as the rising sun.

Before the war started, Drona spoke to Duryodhana, as you know it has not been possible for me to kill the Pandavas or to defeat Arjuna. But I want you to win the war. I shall capture Yudhishthira but you must promise that you will not kill him. Once Yudhisthira is captured the Pandavas will lose the war. Duryodhana was immensely pleased. Drona said, "But I can do so only if Arjuna is not here. Once Arjuna was my pupil he is far superior to me." The spies of the Pandavas rushed to tell this plan of the Kauravas to Yudhisthira. Arjuna was very angry with his guru.