Virat Kohli-MS Dhoni partnership a dream one for youngsters coming into the Indian team

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are undoubtedly the biggest names in Indian cricket at the moment, and it has been this way for the last couple of years now. While Dhoni stepped down as captain of the senior team to pave the way for Kohli, the former has been continuing to remain as an essential cog in Kohli’s squad.

In a recent interview to Hindustan Times, a member of the current Indian squad went on to reveal that the combo of Kohli-Dhoni has a significant impact on the youngsters being drafted into the senior team. The player also added the best part about the combination of Dhoni and Kohli was how they made the youngsters feel at home.

“Mahi bhai is very supportive of the young players coming into the team. Not even for a moment do you feel that you are entering into a team of champions. Even at the nets, you will see him always helping the bowlers. He guides them on how to prepare for a game from his own experience and what he has seen on the wicket. The best part is that when we walk out to field, after a couple of overs he will tell the bowlers exactly which are the areas to bowl on and how the bowler needs to work on his speed and variations. Similarly, Virat bhai likes to give the players freedom to express himself and not get bogged down by the pressure of representing the country,” said the player.

In an interview earlier this month, Kohli had said that his job was as much to mentor youngsters in the team as it was to take the team forward to become the best in the world across all the three formats. Another youngster in the Indian setup heaped praise on the duo as he claimed that the senior players have been helping in calming the nerves of new players who struggle with pressure.

“When you come in initially, you feel a little wary to approach them. But you soon realise that they are very approachable and welcoming. The decisions are taken in unison and Dhoni bhai is always there to bring up any ploy or strategy that might strike him on the field. He is almost like the fielding vice-captain who is constantly guiding us. Leading a team isn’t easy, but Dhoni bhai plays the perfect second fiddle and makes the job that much easier for Kohli bhai,” the player told HT.

Yet another player, who has also played with Dhoni in the IPL, stated, “His door is always open. You want a suggestion? You can just go and speak to him. Clarity is something that makes him special. With Kohli also, he gives you that freedom. The fact that he talks of fearless cricket is backed by his actions. If you are comfortable with something, he won’t try to boss around and change that. He is happy to let you try your options and plans. Only when it doesn’t work does he work on a Plan B. Also, they (Dhoni and Kohli) understand each other really well and for them nothing comes before the team.”