Don't compare me with Dhoni, I'm different: Virat Kohli

Don’t compare me with Dhoni, I’m different: Virat Kohli: In the recent past, we have come across too many speculations surrounding the clouding relationship of the Indian test skipper Virat Kohli and limited overs captain MS Dhoni. If rumors are to be believed, the bond between the two stars took a havoc turn in wake of the twitter controversy after which there had been sparkling conjectures about the duo in the media.

The Indian test captain, Virat Kohli had retweeted as well as favourited an anti-Dhoni post on the twitter in the lead up to the World Cup. The post went viral as Kohli has a gigantic fan base of 5 millions followers on the micro blogging site. The post had questioned captain cool’s involvement in IPL spot-fixing saga. But, the post was deleted as it developed into a hogging controversy and the toast of media.

However, some media reports indicated that Kohli’s account was compromised. But, on Wednesday, all the speculations and hoax encircling the possible rift between Kohli and Dhoni came to a succumbing end. In an interview to a Cricket monthly, Kohli opened up about the various facets of the bond which he shares with his former test captain under whom he blossomed in international cricket.

Dhoni faced stark criticism for his blemish overseas captaincy as well as ineffective leadership tactics which came under serious scrutiny after India endured a horrible run of 8 consecutive defeats in England and Australian tour down under. Dhoni also held a meager record with the willow as he didn’t possessed even a single century in tests outside the sub-continent. But, yet Kohli insisted that Dhoni has left behind a glorious legacy with his stupefying contributions as the leader of the pack.

The 26 year old said: I don’t know why people say he has not left a legacy. He is the most successful Indian captain ever. That in itself is a legacy. Most of the players in the team have been given ample opportunities by him. He believes in the youngsters. He believes in giving them opportunities. It is just a lovely transition and transformation that he follows, where he lets people play and then he lets the guys who are not playing get a chance in another series and gradually groom them along the way as we go ahead in our career. He has played a massive role in grooming all of us initially in our careers.

Kohli also hailed the impeccable persona and calmness of captain cool. He maintained that: It is very hard to better or improve on what he has done for Indian Cricket. It is amazing how composed he was leading the seniors during his early years of captaincy and how relaxed he is leading the youngsters. He has never been too assertive or shown authority on youngsters. He has understood what it takes to balance both – the guys who played before us and people who are playing in the team now – and that is a wonderful thing to do as a captain.

The apparent heir of Dhoni in limited overs cricket also laughed off at the baseless comparisons made between Dhoni’s endeavor and his style of captaincy.

The star Indian batter said: Now, if you talk about people making judgments, it is funny how comparisons are made just after two or three games. Even if you fail in the first two or three games when you come into international cricket [as a player], they say, “He is no good.” I would not judge someone so early. This is how he is, and this is what the reality is, and that will not change. Why make comparisons? I am a different character. I am a different personality.

The test skipper also uttered the importance of balance between aggression and mindfulness.

He stated: There is no point giving away what you are thinking to the opposition, who can gain unnecessary advantage. I understand that. One of the keys to being a good captain is not letting your emotions come on to your face when you are leading the side in the field. That is one of the most important things, which I want to improve on.
But I will never change myself for anyone or because anyone wants me to change. It is just these small things that I need to improve on, but that instinct of being aggressive as a captain will remain.

Virat also recalled the emotions which he had undergone after he got to know that he will no longer get to play with Dhoni in tests.

He remembered that day: We were all taken by surprise. My first feeling was: We played under him all this time. He has groomed all the young guys in the team. He has given them opportunities. And now he is not going to be the Test captain. Honestly, I was not able to think that I am going to be the Test captain now, at that very moment.