Islamabad, 24 March 2025: MS Dhoni has spoken about his long-standing relationship with Virat Kohli, revealing the unique dynamic they share.
Despite their close bond, the World Cup winning captain acknowledged that a senior-junior distinction always existed between them.
Kohli made his international debut in 2008 when Dhoni was already a renowned leader, having guided India to victory in the T20 World Cup and a CB Series win in Australia.
As Kohli rose to prominence as one of the best batters in cricketing world, the wicket-keeper mentored him, shaping his cricketing journey.
Their partnership continued until Dhoni played his last match for India under the captaincy of Kohli in 2019.
Reflecting on their association, Dhoni recalled his determination, saying that from the start, he always aimed to contribute more than just a decent score.
Dhoni praised the dedication of the Indian batting great to fitness and batting, offering him honest feedback and strategy over time.
Despite their growing friendship, Dhoni noted that the senior-junior boundary remained, even after leadership roles ended.
In 2022, Kohli shared a 2016 T20 World Cup photo with Dhoni, calling him ‘always my captain,’ highlighting their bond, also seen in the IPL.
Kohli’s captaincy ended controversially; after leaving T20I leadership in 2021, he lost the ODI role amid a dispute with BCCI’s Ganguly before resigning as Test captain.
After Kohli stepped down, Dhoni was the only one to reach out, stressing the importance of trust and private conversations, though he kept the message confidential.
Their relationship, built over years of playing together, remains a testament to mutual respect and admiration.
