Watch: MS Dhoni makes a big statement on Virat Kohli's captaincy; here's what he said
New Delhi: Having won 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 the country ever had. While he is still in charge of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), following his decision to step down from India’s limited-overs captaincy, Virat Kohli has succeeded him as India skipper.
Although Dhoni is often seen and heard sharing his inputs with Kohli and the Indian bowlers, seldom does he speak his mind off the cricket field. However, he was asked about captaincy in general and Kohli’s captaincy in particular during one of the promotional events for CSK and Dhoni shared his candid views.
"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 during an event in New Delhi while discussing what makes a good captain.
"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," added Dhoni.
The Jharkhand cricketer was also asked what he likes – being a normal player or a captain.
Answering the question, Dhoni said: "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.”
"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 has led the legends and stars of the game – Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Kohli amongst other.
Dhoni was then asked about Kohli’s captaincy, who was once Dhoni’s deputy and now captains him while playing for Team India.
Captain Cool kept his answer short, crisp and uncomplicated, saying, "He is very good."
'Do you like to be a captain or a normal player?'
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 18, 2018
'How is @imVkohli's captaincy?'#Thala @msdhoni #WhistlePodu ðŸ¦ðŸ'› pic.twitter.com/WHJxKzMUjO
While Dhoni no longer leads the Indian cricket team, it is often seen that Kohli turns to him for his advice on DRS calls and other important decisions. Also, the Indian skipper has always made it a point to highlight how Dhoni's presence has been a big boon for him and the team.