VIRAT KOHLI

It might be odd and awkward to hear that Virat Kohli, currently the world’s most premier batsman, got backing from MS Dhoni. But it is a fact that, atleast in the Test arena, Dhoni backed Kohli a lot given that he had made just 76 runs in 5 innings of his debut series in 2011 against the West Indies and even in his debut ODI series against Sri Lanka in 2008, he had 159 runs in five innings, as an opener.

Dhoni got him to play at no.3 and Kohli managed to cement his spot in the team. He credited Dhoni for this by saying to India Today in an interview,” When I walked into the team, he had the option of trying someone else after few games, although I grabbed my chances for me to get that kind of backing, it was very crucial for me. Also, he gave me an opportunity to bat at No 3 because not many youngsters get to play at No 3.”

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However, the talk was of Test cricket and that’s where Dhoni backed Kohli a lot, even against the wishes of selectors, and some experts, who wanted Rohit Sharma to get Kohli’s place. When India went to Australia in 2011-12, the Delhi lad batted at 6 but got scores of 11, 0, 23, and 9 in the first two Tests.

Sanjay Manjrekar had even infamously tweeted, that Kohli should get one or two more innings, just to make sure he isn’t cut out for Test cricket. But Dhoni backed Kohli for the remainder of the Tests and in Adelaide, Kohli repaid with his maiden Test ton-116 and has never looked back ever since.

Dhoni even groomed Kohli for captaincy and gave up the position when he felt, Kohli was ready for it, in all formats.