Kumar Bahukhandi
Kohli and Dhoni – Photo: ANI
Dhoni retired from Test cricket in 2014 and left the captaincy of ODI and T20 in 2016-17. Then Virat Kohli, who was the vice-captain of the team, was given the captaincy in all three formats. After this, news of rift between the two had surfaced many times, but now Dhoni has talked about his friendship with Kohli.
In IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings started with a win by defeating Mumbai Indians. Dhoni may not have scored any runs in the match played at Chepauk, but his arrival on the field itself made headlines. Thala-Thala slogans were raised in the entire ground. Now Dhoni has talked about IPL and many other topics. He has also shed light on his friendship with Virat Kohli. Along with this, he has also talked about Bhojpuri commentary. Let’s know what he said…
Kohli and Dhoni – Photo: ANI
Dhoni said that he has a good friendship with Royal Challengers Bangalore star batsman Virat Kohli. Dhoni said that their relationship has turned into friendship over the years. He said, ‘This relationship was earlier between a captain and a young player, but over time we became very good friends. Now both of us are not captains and hence we get more time to talk before the match.’
Ravi Kishan is doing commentary in Bhojpuri – Photo: ANI
Dhoni supported the decision of commentary in regional languages of IPL. Actually, IPL is being broadcast in many languages on the OTT platform Jio Hotstar. Dhoni said, ‘I have not heard much regional commentary, but I know that Bhojpuri commentary has a lot of enthusiasm. It reminds me of the radio commentary of school days, where the commentators were completely immersed in the game. I find it very interesting.’
Dhoni -No Wicket Keeper like him in the world – Photo: ANI
Dhoni said that to remain relevant in the IPL, he is focusing on adapting himself according to the circumstances. He said, ‘Batsmen are now ready to take risks. Now batsmen believe that with proper cricket shots they can play big strokes and at the same time they are improving their shot selection whether it is reverse scoop against a fast bowler, sweep or reverse sweep against a fast bowler.’
He said, ‘I am no different from them. I also have to adapt myself. This is what is required for me wherever I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant. There was a lot of difference between the way we played T20 in 2008 and the way we played in IPL last year. Earlier the wickets used to take a lot of turn but now the wickets in India have become much better than before. It is more favorable for the batsmen.’
Rituraj and Dhoni – Photo: IPL/BCCI
Chennai won five IPL titles under Dhoni as captain, but he handed over the command to Rituraj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season. Dhoni said that although he discusses with Gaikwad, he does not impose his advice on him. He said, ‘Rituraj has been a part of our team for a long time. He has a very good temperament, he is very calm, very patient. That’s why we chose him as the captain.’
Rituraj and his wife with Dhoni – Photo: IPL/BCCI
Dhoni said, ‘I remember before the tournament started, I also told him, if I give you advice, it does not mean that you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible. Many people felt that I was making decisions from behind the scenes. But the truth is that he was taking 99 percent of the decisions.’
