"Virat Kohli Intense, MS Dhoni Exactly Opposite"- Shane Watson on India's 2 Icons
Published - 30 May 2024, 05:03 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:12 AM
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Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson recently compared Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni and highlighted their remarkable mental resilience. Shane Watson praised Shane Virat Kohli for his consistent intensity and engagement in every moment of the game, particularly the recent IPL 2024.
Virat Kohli topped the batting charts while representing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the recent season. Kohli scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, including one century and five fifties. However, his side failed to secure their maiden title in the IPL 2024 season.
Consistent Intensity Every Moment Of Every Game - Shane Watson
Shane Watson highlighted Virat Kohli's unwavering intensity and engagement throughout matches. The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized that focus has enabled Kohli to consistently deliver outstanding performances over an extended period of time.
"There's only really a couple of other people that I've played with or played against who had that consistent intensity every moment of every game. So that's something about Virat, that we've seen in this IPL, just how engaged he is. That's why he's been able to sustain such high performances for such a long period of time," said Watson.
MS Dhoni Still Knows How To Be Able To Let His Mind Be Free - Shane Watson
Shane Watson highlighted MS Dhoni's more relaxed demeanor in contrast to Virat Kohli's intense approach. The former Australian cricketer described Dhoni as operating at a lower intensity level compared to Kohli. Watson said that Dhoni keeps his mind free during matches despite being 42 years old.
"But then you've got on the other side of the fence is MS Dhoni, who is opposite of that intensity from Virat. He doesn't need to be like nine out of 10 with his intensity level; he needs to be at around six. Even at the ripe age of 42, he still knows how to be able to let his mind be free to be able to access his skills that are so deeply ingrained,” Watson added.
MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the IPL 2024 opener. Dhoni made a significant contribution to the CSK team despite undergoing knee surgery the previous year. The former CSK skipper scored 161 runs in 14 matches with an average of 53.67 and a staggering strike rate of 220.55.
These Are World-Class Cricketers - Shane Watson
Shane Watson emphasized the mental transition from IPL to international tournaments like the Men’s T20 World Cup, stressing the need for adjustments to conditions, pitches, and team dynamics.
"These are world-class cricketers who are going from an IPL, for example, and they're gonna have to make little adjustments to the conditions and pitches that they're gonna be facing. Also, whether it's temperature, and a new team environment as well. That's where by understanding these mental skills deeply and applying those into just who you are, you build a really strong, like a bulletproof cocoon around you."
The 42-year-old represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20Is in his career. He scored 3731 Test runs, 5757 ODI runs, and 1462 T20I runs. He recorded 14 centuries across the three formats of international cricket. He amassed 3874 runs in 145 IPL matches at an average of 30.99, including four centuries and 21 fifties.
