India vs New Zealand, semi-final, World Cup 2019: We are all grateful to Dhoni for the way he has handled Indian cricket, says Kohli

M.S. Dhoni has drawn flak in World Cup 2019 for his slow scoring rate, however, the Indian skipper has backed the 38-year-old for his superlative performances in the past.

Published : Jul 08, 2019 16:12 IST , MANCHESTER

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 12: India captain Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni during the 1st Royal London ODI match between England and India at Trent Bridge on July 12, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 12: India captain Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni during the 1st Royal London ODI match between England and India at Trent Bridge on July 12, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
lightbox-info

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 12: India captain Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni during the 1st Royal London ODI match between England and India at Trent Bridge on July 12, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Equations between a former captain and his successor can be fraught with anxiety, especially if the two gentlemen are still playing together.

But for M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli, the passing of the baton has been remarkable for its grace and camaraderie. With Dhoni playing his last World Cup and the current edition nearing its climax over the weekend, Kohli paid tributes to his predecessor, who remains an inspiration and a sounding board for the current Indian skipper.

Speaking to the media at Old Trafford here on Monday, Kohli said: “For us, who started our careers under him, the respect will always be there because of the opportunities he gave us and the faith he showed in us and the way he handled the whole team in transition.

"Now we are the ones who are taking Indian cricket forward. When a person has done so much for the team you have to appreciate and acknowledge. From the respect point of view for MS, it's always going to be sky-high.”

READ| Dhoni to retire after Team India's last World Cup 2019 match?

And then Kohli explained another critical facet - Dhoni’s ability to step back and give space: “I know how difficult it can be to transition from being captain to just being a player within the same team. He is not being too assertive or too pushy in anything. He gives you space to make your own decisions and to actually discover yourself, that has been his biggest quality. At the same time, if I go ask him anything, he is there giving me advice. I am delighted that I have been able to play for so many years with him.”

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment