Compare Dhoni’s Test record with any captain, he’s the greatest ever, says Ravi Shastri

Following Mahendra Singh Dhoni's retirement back in 2014, Virat Kohli took over the post of the captaincy and has been on roll. He has won 17 games of the 27 played so far with the latest being at Galle against Sri Lanka.

However, the current team coach Ravi Shastri still believes Dhoni to be the greatest captain to lead the nation yet. Praising Dhoni, Shastri said, “The guy has won two world titles - a World Cup and a World T20. Besides that, he has also finished runner-up in another World T20. He played in the semi-finals of two other World T20 and World Cups.

“People often talk about his limited-over record, but compare Dhoni’s Test with any captain and it will show who is the greatest ever,” said he in an interview with Ananda Bazar Patrika (ABP).

Shastri is also of the opinion that Kohli possesses all the attributes to overcome Dhoni and even the great Sachin Tendulkar in the near future.

“The way Virat is progressing, he may well catch up with Dhoni. I have been involved with cricket for 35 years as player, commentator and coach. Apart from Sachin Tendulkar, I have never seen anyone break records like Kohli.

“He has caught up with many greats, playing just half the number of matches. I wonder where will he stop,” added the 55-year-old.

Though statistics wise Kohli tops all the previous two captains, Dhoni and Sourav Gangly, in the longest format of the game at the moment. Compared to his 62.96 winning percentage, Dhoni had 45% with 27 wins in 60 Tests as captain and Ganguly had 42.85%, winning 21 of his 49 Tests as captain.

But, stats and figures don't reveal the kind of opposition Kohli has played so far in Tests which takes us back to what Ganguly has recently pointed out- Kohli is yet to face a real test.