Dhoni-Kohli’s relationship will help India going forward to 2019 WC, says VVS Laxman

Dhoni had hanged his boot from Test cricket during the series in Australia in 2014 and in January earlier this year, he also stepped down as the captain of India’s limited-overs teams. Kohli was handed over the responsibility of the team since then and Dhoni has been playing under his captaincy in limited over format. But there is no sign of ego between them as the former Indian skipper has still been playing a supporting role from behind the stumps for Kohli.  

"It is not only a brilliant moment of today's game (in Pune on Wednesday) but it has been a brilliant moment from the day Virat Kohli became a captain in the ODI format. It is so good to see the rapport between Kohli and Dhoni. He has got the advantage of being a wicket-keeper, who has got the best view of the angles as far as field placements are concerned," Laxman said in the post-match show as quoted by NDTV.

Now, discussion for field placements between Dhoni and Kohli has become a very common sight. In many occasions, Dhoni not only advises the bowlers but also moves the fielders around when Kohli was not present inside the circle. Laxman believes that their understanding will play a huge role in Indian cricket team going forward as they are focusing on next World Cup which will be played in 2019.

"Without having any ego, Kohli approaches Dhoni and that is a credit to Kohli. Dhoni has an abundance of knowledge and experience, above that he has got so much of respect, so Kohli depends a lot on Dhoni. This relationship will help India, going forward to 2019 World Cup. Dhoni is a mentor of the India team," the former Indian batsman added.