"I don’t envy that": Joe Root makes a colossal statement on Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni’s fame

Cricket has always created superstars, but very few reach the level where life completely changes. Players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are not just cricketers anymore, as they are global icons. Virat Kohli's and MS Dhoni’s fame is so massive that even a simple outing becomes a challenge for them.

The former Indian captains can’t roam around any park or visit any restaurant without their security, and even at the airports, they bring their own security to drop them. Living a normal life for the Indian superstars is just beyond their imagination.

Joe Root’s honest take on Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni's fame

This public scrutiny forced Virat Kohli to shift his home base to London temporarily to raise his children with a normal life without camera flashes. Now, England’s modern-era legend Joe Root has made a big and honest remark about the kind of stardom Kohli and Dhoni have.

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While many dream of such popularity, Root made it clear that this level of fame comes with a heavy price, and it is not something he personally wants in his life. Root shared that he started playing because he loved the game, just like any other kid.

Even today, he enjoys simple things like watching local matches or spending time around the ground, which reminds him of his childhood days.

I don't play cricket for fame: Joe Root

Joe Root said on the Wisden Cricket Podcast: “I don't play cricket for fame. Sure, but it's a consequence. And I think that's the right word in my eyes. It's not an add-on. I still love coming down here and watching my mates play on a Saturday or seeing the kids run around and play on the outfield, which is what I did as a kid. And that's sort of why I got into it and how I got into it.”

However, the former England Test player feels Kohli's and Dhoni’s lives are very different and much more difficult than his, as wherever they go, there is tight security, huge crowds, and constant attention from fans and media. Root feels lucky that he can still enjoy a normal lifestyle.

Joe Root feels "fortunate" not to have life MS Dhoni-Virat Kohli like

He added, “I'd never want it to be a case where I wasn't able to do that anymore or they couldn't feel like they could do that either. So, I look at some of the superstars in India, and I don't envy that at all, and their lifestyle, I feel, must be really tricky and very difficult for them to navigate through that. So, in many ways, I feel very lucky. I went and played Padel this morning and went for a bike ride into the Peak District. And you think MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli couldn't.”

When the right-handed batter was reminded of how Dhoni still manages to ride his Ducati or his luxury car in Ranchi, he mentioned that it would not be a peaceful experience. And Root feels fortunate to be able to spend time outside without being surrounded by people all the time.

The Englishman signed off by saying, “Maybe, but there might be 25 others surrounding him. And, you know, he wouldn't be able to do that in, like, peace and serenity. And yeah, I feel very fortunate in that respect.”

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