Virat Kohli stressed how MS Dhoni had played the role of a mentor even during his heyday as a player with the senior national team.
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Team India skipper Virat Kohli has expressed his delight over the availability of veteran cricketer MS Dhoni in the role of a mentor in the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup. Kohli and Dhoni share a great bond, which may have certainly influenced the viewpoint of the former. The two players share a beautiful relationship, which makes it all the more positive for the Indian team.
“He makes a difference when he is in a leadership role in any team. Absolutely delighted to have him in the environment. He will certainly boost the morale of this team further. Such practical inputs and such intricate details of where the game is going and where we can improve. Massive experience. He is quite excited about getting back in this environment. He has always been a mentor for all of us, when we were starting our careers at that time he played and now he has the same opportunity to continue the same again. Especially for the younger guys who are in early stages of their career, just experience that he has gained over the years and having conversations with him about the game,” said Kohli in an interaction organised by the ICC.
The Team India skipper further defended pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, hailing his experience and accuracy as priceless attributes.
“His (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) economy rate continued to be top-notch in the IPL, he has always known for this, and his experience comes to the fore,” said Kohli.
“I think his experience and accuracy have always been priceless for the team. He is back to full fitness which augers really well for our team. I am sure he will get assistance with the new ball,” he added.
Kohli shared his opinion on India’s performance in the previous two editions of the T20 World Cup, admitting that the team’s exit in the 2016 edition was frustrating.
“It was quite frustrating to go out the way we did in the 2016 t20 World Cup. But West Indies was the best team in the tournament, playing the best cricket as a team and I felt they thoroughly deserve to win that tournament. We had a heartbreak against Sri Lanka in the 2014 t20 World Cup finals as well, that tells us as far as our T20 cricket is concerned, we have always had a strong side,” said the Team India skipper.
Virender Sehwag believes that the involvement of MS Dhoni in the role of a mentor for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, could well benefit the Indian team to a massive extent.
“I am very happy that MS accepted the offer to be the Team Mentor for the T20 World Cup. I know many people want that MS should again comeback into the mainstream of Indian cricket and being roped in as the mentor is the best thing that could have happened,” said Sehwag in an interaction with PTI.
“As a keeper, MS was exceptional with his understanding of field placements and this is something that will help the bowling unit in this World Cup. The bowlers can pick his brains and get useful tips on planning against a batsman. There are always players in any international side, who are shy and do hesitate to go up to their skipper and strike up a cricketing conversation. MS has always been that kind of a person who is easily approachable and also a perfect trouble shooter for youngsters,” he added.
