The team is always above everything else for MS Dhoni, says Virat Kohli

The team is always above everything else for MS Dhoni, says Virat Kohli

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BCCI

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has heaped praise on his teammate MS Dhoni and has said that the team is always above everything for the wicketkeeper-batsman. Kohli also emphasised on the fact that Dhoni brings a lot to the table with his massive experience, which is only benefiting the team.

In recent times, MS Dhoni’s spot in the line-up has come under the scanner, but his form in the IPL must have silent his harshest critics. Dhoni’s strike-rate has become a matter of concern, but on his day he can leave the opposition at sixes and sevens. When asked about Dhoni, Kohli had only motivating words for the former skipper. 

“What can I say about him. My career started under him and few have seen him from so close over the last few years as I have. There's one thing about MS that's far more important than anything else - and there's a lot to him - for him, the team is always above everything else. It's always about the team, no matter what. To top it, look at the experience he brings to the squad and we're richer with it. Some of his dismissals behind the stumps, just recently too (in IPL), were match-changing,” Kohli said in an interview with TOI. 

In recent times, Dhoni had to face a lot of criticism, but Kohli has backed him immensely. He believes that Dhoni is one of the smartest guys in contemporary cricket and an asset behind the stumps. His presence also allows Kohli to perform with absolute freedom. 

On being questioned about Dhoni facing a lot of criticism, Kohli said, “That's unfortunate. Honestly, I think people lack patience. An odd day here, a poor one there, and chatter becomes endless. But the fact is that MS Dhoni is among the smartest guys in the game. Behind the stumps, as I said, he's priceless. It gives me the freedom to do my thing. Someone like MS is around with a wealth of experience.”

Dhoni and Rohit have been two of the most effective captains in the IPL, winning the trophy four and three times respectively. Their success as captains will only help the team to do well in the World Cup. Coach Ravi Shastri was all praises for the duo and also spoke about the strategy, which involved the duo. 

“MS and Rohit - both. The way they've gone about with their respective roles - as captains - speaks volumes of what they bring to the table. MS, in particular, has a legacy. So, it augurs so well for this team to have both of them in a leadership role. That's why, the team management decided to have a strategy pool in place which MS and Rohit are part of along with us,” Shastri said.

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