WATCH: Virat Kohli opens up on MS Dhoni playing his last Cricket World Cup ahead of India-New Zealand semi-final

Virat Kohli opens up on MS Dhoni: The Indian skipper was vocal about starting his career under Dhoni and now leading him.

Given the stature of former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, there is seldom a media interaction with any Indian cricketer without Dhoni’s mention in it. As India captain Virat Kohli was addressing the press during the pre-match press conference in Manchester, even he came across a question on Dhoni.

In what was a direct referral to Kohli’s emotional dialogue on Sachin Tendulkar after winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the 30-year old cricketer was asked if he has anything similar in mind for Dhoni who is also playing his last World Cup.

“I didn’t prepare anything in 2011 [laughs]. I’m certainly not going to write anything down. If you ask everyone about him [MS Dhoni], they have special things to say and especially for us who started our careers under him.

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“For us, that doesn’t change. The respect will always be there because of the opportunity he gave us and the faith that he showed in us and the way he has handled the whole team in transition over so many years,” Kohli was quoted as saying.

“Sky-high respect for MS…”

Despite scoring 223 runs in eight matches at an average of 44.60 and a strike rate of 93.30, Dhoni has received severe criticism especially for his batting approach in the slog overs. Having turned 38 yesterday and going by recent reports on his future as international cricket, one shouldn’t be surprised if the veteran cricketer calls it a day after the World Cup.

“I’m glad you asked about ‘MS – The Personality’ because a lot has been said otherwise. When a person has done so much for the team, you have to appreciate and acknowledge what he has done for Indian cricket. We’re all very grateful for what he has done for Indian cricket and us.

“He has always been in a happy and jovial mood whenever we see him. Yesterday was again a very happy moment for him and the whole team. He’s in a very comfortable and happy space at the moment. From the respect point of view for MS, it’s always going to be sky-high,” Kohli added.

Virat Kohli opens up on MS Dhoni (starts from 2:20):

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