Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Explains The Difference Between Leadership Styles Of MS Dhoni And Virat Kohli

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, former Indian spinner, revealed the major difference between the leadership styles of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, adding that the current captain makes a lot of changes, something that MS Dhoni did not use to do.

Virat Kohli took over the reins of the Test team from MS Dhoni back in early 2015 and while he has been able to forge a really successful stint which includes India’s maiden Test win in Australia and the elevation to the No.1 spot in world rankings, the major point of contention has been his penchant for frequent changes in the playing 11 and inconsistent selections.

“Virat Kohli makes a lot of changes, MS Dhoni, when he was the captain of India, would not make too many changes. Virat Kohli likes to make changes, Horses for Courses. So different pitches, he picks different players but all in all Virat has had lots of success because his bowling has been of really high standards.” said Laxman Sivaramakrishnan.

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“I think we have been a bit unlucky”- Laxman Sivaramakrishnan on India’s knockout defeats

In the ODI format too, the Kohli-led management has been guilty of not persisting with the players vying for the middle-order spot which eventually resulted in India going to the 2019 World Cup, not knowing who their No.4 batsman is.

India eventually lost the semi-final to New Zealand where an inexperienced Rishabh Pant batted at No.4. Kohli was blamed for his inconsistent selections, which critics feel was the major reason behind India not winning any ICC event under Virat.

However, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan feels that India has actually been unlucky in the knockout stage, hailing the team’s overall consistency under Virat Kohli.

“No, I think we have been a bit unlucky, We have been coming to the semi final’s and then losing. They (Indian team) lost to New Zealand in the Semi-Final which was bit unfortunate, But I think over a period of time, we have been very consistent.” Laxman Sivaramakrishnan added.

India are yet to win an ICC event since its 2013 Champions Trophy triumph. Under Virat Kohli, the Men in Blue have lost back-to-back knockout games- Champions Trophy final and World Cup semi-final.

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