For eleven years, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have shared the Indian dressing room. In 2008, one year after Dhoni had guided India to victory in the first T20 World Cup, Kohli made his debut for his country.
With Kohli as a developing star, Dhoni eventually captained the team; later, the positions were switched, with Dhoni playing under Kohli’s direction. The two cricket players have developed a close connection and respect for one another in spite of their senior-junior dynamic.
MS Dhoni acknowledged the existence of a senior-junior agreement between them from the start when discussing their relationship with JioHotstar.
“Between me and Virat, right from the start, he was someone who wanted to contribute. He was never happy with a 40 or a 60; he wanted to score a 100 and be not out till the end. So, that hunger was there right from the start.”
MS Dhoni
“The way he improved his batting and his will to perform are what kept him going.”
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni commended his younger teammate’s enthusiasm for the game while considering Kohli’s commitment and enthusiasm.
“He raised his fitness levels and was always there on the field. He would often come and ask, ‘What could I have done differently? I could have tried this.’ That constant urge to improve was always there.”
MS Dhoni
‘We are still friends’ – MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni went on to say that many talks over the years helped shape their bond. Even after he retired, Virat Kohli would frequently ask Dhoni for his opinion on certain matters.
“We had a lot of conversations, and that opened us up. I always gave him an honest opinion. Things like, ‘You could have done this,’ or ‘You might have delayed it by an over,’ or ‘This was a risk worth taking.’ It was about exchanging thoughts, and that’s how the relationship grew.”
MS Dhoni
He also talked candidly about how their friendship has grown in importance since neither of them is in charge of the Indian side anymore.
“It was initially a captain and a newcomer dynamic. But as we kept interacting, we became friends. I still feel there’s a line of respect — the senior-junior aspect — but we are definitely friends now. And with both of us not being captains, we can spend more time together before the toss.”
MS Dhoni
On March 28, the Chennai Super Kings will play Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
