If Dhoni was RCB skipper, they would have won 3 IPL titles: Wasim Akram

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been running for 16 years, with the only constants being Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player Virat Kohli. Both cricketers have an avid fan following and are idolised by many aspiring players in the country. However, the number of IPL titles won by both are poles apart. 

Dhoni has led CSK to four titles, but RCB have not won any yet. However, RCB have made it to the finals thrice but ended up as the runners-up on all the occasions.

During an interaction with Sportskeeda, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram was asked, 'What if Dhoni was the captain of RCB?' To this, he replied that Dhoni would have won three titles for RCB. He also stated that Kohli has been with the RCB from the beginning of the IPL, but they are yet to win a title. Notably, Kohli stepped down as RCB captain ahead of the 2022 IPL season, and the franchise named Faf du Plessis as their new captain.

“RCB teen dafa trophies jeet chuka hota abhi tak (RCB would have won three titles). They have immense fan support and also the best player of the modern era – Virat Kohli. He has been there with the RCB since the IPL started. But unfortunately, they haven’t won the trophy. Dhoni hota to inko jeeta chukka hota (Had Dhoni been the RCB skipper, he would have led them to title victory),” Akram told Sportskeeda.

When asked where Kohli lacked as RCB captain, Akram responded that he has no idea where he failed as he is a very hard-working boy. He also stated that the former India captain may be more focused on the national team than the IPL franchise. He also stated that the 34-year-old batter is doing much better and appears to be enjoying his game.

“I don’t know where did he lag. He is a very hard-working boy. Maybe he was concentrating on Indian cricket so much and in the IPL, captaincy burdens you sometimes. So, he is better of where he is. He is doing a lot better and seems like he’s enjoying his game,” he added.

Dhoni is a captain who instills confidence in his players: Akram

Akram went on to say that captaincy is a habit, and Dhoni has it. Kohli, according to the 56-year-old, eventually developed the habit as well. He praised Dhoni, stating that he is someone who inspires and instils confidence in his teammates.

“And if we speak about Dhoni, he has the habit. Because captaincy is a habit. Even Virat developed it eventually. He isn’t calm inside, and doesn’t reflect on his face. But the player knows who sometimes gets shouted at or gets a pat on the back. So, Dhoni is a captain who instils confidence in his players,” Akram concluded.