The incomparable MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli played together for 11 years, but despite evolving as friends, there is ‘a line’ that continues to exist between them. Yes, Dhoni, the former India captain, has opened up on his relationship with his successor Kohli, revealing the nuances of their bond. Kohli debuted in 2008 when Dhoni was already a big name – he had led India to a T20 World Cup and a CB Series win in Australia. Already being touted as the ‘greatest captain’ India had ever produced, Dhoni mentored Kohli every step of the way as the youngster transformed into the best batter in the world. Till the end, when Dhoni played his last game for India under Kohli in 2019, the camaraderie between the two never doused.
In 2022, Kohli put out a random post on X – a picture with Dhoni during the 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal against Australia – referring to him as ‘always my captain’. Even during last year’s IPL, Kohli and Dhoni shared a hug in the season opener between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, making for a heartwarming visual. But as much of a brotherhood there is, Dhoni says there’s always been a junior-senior thing between the two.