Virat Kohli is very good as a leader, says MS Dhoni

Having won all three ICC trophies – ICC World T20 in 2007, ICC World Cup in 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 – MS Dhoni will go down as one of the best Indian cricket team captains. While he is currently playing as a wicket-keeper batsman for India’s limited over format after handing over the captaincy to Virat Kohli, he is still in charge of the comeback side Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and proving his mettle as a leader once again.

Though Dhoni can often be seen sharing his views with captain Kohli and bowlers during matches, he normally doesn’t speak out his mind outside of the cricket field. However, when Dhoni was asked about Kohli’s captaincy, who was once Dhoni’s deputy, Dhoni kept his answer precise and termed him as a good leader.

"He is very good as a leader," observed Dhoni, reported Deccan Chronicle.

Speaking about different ticks of captaincy, Dhoni asserted that a good captain needs to understand the individuals better to lead them in the right way and in a vice-versa a leader is as good as a team and individuals.

"I always felt a good captain is the one who understands the individuals. Because if you don't know a player's strength or weakness, you cannot give him the proper advice,” said Dhoni.

"I think it's important how good you are as a team and how good you are as an individual, who helps others to perform," he added.

"Being a normal player is much more important. You work through the ranks. It helps you understand the game, the problems that you may face as a player. Once you reach the top you would know what an individual would be feeling.”

Praising the senior legends of Indian Cricket with whom he shared the dressing room, Dhoni described that he has learned a great deal from them as a player and acquired the skill of how to manage himself on and off the field.

"As a player, you also learn a lot from your leaders. Not only about how to conduct yourself but also about what not to do," added Dhoni, who had managed legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, during his captaincy era.

Known as one of the sharpest brains in the cricketing world, Dhoni’s decisions during matches - be it field setting or taking the review with DRS - has become pivotal in India’s limited overs success. Even, Kohli has commonly pointed out in press conferences that Dhoni's presence has been a big boost for the team and nobody can fill his shoes.