I am fortunate to have an exceptional mind behind the stumps, says Virat Kohli on MS Dhoni
Virat Kohli has heaped praise on MS Dhoni and added that he is fortunate to have an exceptional mind in the form of the former Indian skipper behind the stumps. Kohli has also added that it is unfortunate to see people criticising Dhoni and the duo share a very good mutual bond between themselves.
Former Indian team Captain MS Dhoni has been exceptional throughout his captaincy career for Indian Cricket team from 2007 to 2017. The Ranchi-based cricketer stands third in the highest win as captain after Ricky Ponting and Stephen Fleming. Virat Kohli, speaking exclusively to India today, revealed that he maintained mutual respect with MS Dhoni and he was the one person who understands the match from the very first ball to the 300th ball. Kohli further claimed that Dhoni has been exceptional behind the stumps and a major reason for India’s success.
“He (MS Dhoni) is one person who knows the game inside out, who understands the game from ball 1 to ball 300 on the field. I won't say it is a luxury to have him but I am fortunate to have a mind like that from behind the stumps. At the end of the day, I want to be involved in strategy with the team management with Mahi Bhai and Rohit (Sharma),” Kohli told India Today.
Further, the Indian skipper added that he always maintained a mutual understanding with Dhoni throughout the match and said that he would go to the outfield in the death overs to contribute more for the team after knowing that between 30-35 overs, Dhoni would take care of the bowling and fielding placements.
“In the death overs, I know that I know I have to be in the outfield to try and make something work for the team because that's my nature that I want to do something for the team rather than just be there.
"After 30-35 overs, he knows that I will be in the outfield and its on auto mode. It’s just about the field placements and bowling changes and we say you know the angles, you know the pace of the pitch and that's why there is so much trust and respect between the two of us. It's unfortunate to see so many people going after him," the 30-year-old added.
He claimed that he respects loyalty and remembered the fact that Dhoni persisted with him and let him bat at No.3 early in his career and that he grabbed his chances and maintained his position.
"For me, loyalty matters the most. When I walked into the team he had the option of trying someone else after a few games. Although I grabbed my chances, for me to get that kind of backing, it was very crucial for me. Also, he gave me an opportunity to bat at No.3 because not many youngsters get to play at No.3."