Virat Kohli Needs MS Dhoni, Says Sourav Ganguly

When Virat Kohli was handed the Test captaincy in 2015 as well as ODI captaincy earlier this year, he had a big shoe to fill in as he was predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down from his role after becoming the most decorated skipper of India. However, Kohli has done exceedingly well in both the formats.

The India skipper is yet to lose a Test series and ODI series and has led the team to number one in both the formats with series wins over the likes of Sri Lanka, South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia, West Indies across formats. Even in his maiden tournament as a captain, he led the Men in Blue to the final of the Champions Trophy.

But despite Kohli proving his mettle as a captain, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly feels the 28-year old still needs Dhoni’s guidance. The former cricketer also said that Dhoni would be in the team for the 2019 World Cup before stating that Kohli’s support is the best part for Dhoni.

“I think so (when asked if Dhoni will continue till the 2019 World Cup). The best part for Dhoni is Virat Kohli wants him. He’s 36 and he’s not the flamboyant Dhoni that we saw in Pakistan in 2004 but he’s a different player now. Kohli needs him not just as a keeper but in a leadership capacity as well, he has got the best view behind the stumps”, Ganguly was quoted as saying by India Today.

Ganguly further said that Kohli backing Dhoni will help the latter to survive till 2019.

“Virat backs him and that’s what a player wants. His game has changed but that happens with everyone. With age, you worry about your position, reputation and consistency and your game changes. Dhoni’s game has changed just like everyone else’s. Even Sachin Tendulkar’s game changed with age. I think he can survive till 2019, he is fit and most importantly, he knows his captain will back him,” he added.