Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has listed out the difference between the eras of former skipper MS Dhoni and current captain Virat Kohli. Pathan stated Dhoni was cool as ice whereas Kohli is aggressive like fire. The former all-rounder feels both of these traits are needed to be successful at the top level.
Dhoni was able to get the best out of his players and led with a sedate approach. The former Indian captain took some great decisions for Indian cricket and he led the team with aplomb. Ergo, Dhoni was able to take Indian cricket to great heights under his captaincy.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli is always aggressive in his approach. Kohli has played a key role in the development of fast bowlers, which has helped him savour success in the foreign conditions. India won their maiden Test series on the Australian soil in 2018-19 and the pace battery had played a huge role.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni also did a fine job as a wicket-keeper and as a finisher. Dhoni used to be at his best in the fag end of the innings and finished many matches for the team. Similarly, Kohli has done a fabulous job in getting India’s success as he delivers the goods as a batsman.
Irfan Pathan said while talking to Star Sports Cricket Connected, “In Dhoni’s era, we saw calmness and in Virat Kohli’s era we saw aggression. You need both these qualities to be successful.”
“A player, how he uses his calmness and his aggression to perform better, we have seen in both the eras,” the former all-rounder added.
“We have seen MS Dhoni come at the end and win us matches from difficult situations and we have seen Virat Kohli’s amazing record in Test cricket,” Pathan said.
Dhoni led India in 332 matches across the three formats in which the team won 178 and lost 120. The former skipper had a winning percentage of 53.61.
Kohli has led India in 181 matches across the three forms in which the team has won on 117 occasions whereas they have lost 47. Hence, Kohli has a winning percent of 64.64.
Dhoni and Kohli have both been instrumental in the success of the Indian team and have played a big role in the success of the team over the years.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni would be seen leading Chennai Super Kings whereas Virat Kohli will lead Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming IPL. The tournament will begin from September 19 in the UAE.
