MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, these two stalwarts of the game have shared a bond both on and off the field, a fact well-known to fans and cricketing circles alike. Kohli, whose career took off under Dhoni’s captaincy, achieved numerous milestones, fueled by the mentorship of his predecessor. As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season unfolds, both players step into their roles devoid of captaincy responsibilities for their respective franchises.
In a candid interview with JioHotstar, Dhoni delved into the nuances of his relationship with Kohli, all the while maintaining discretion about a particular message sent to Kohli when he resigned as India's Test captain. Kohli has consistently cited Dhoni as the sole person from the cricketing fraternity who reached out to him during that pivotal moment.
On being probed about the message, Dhoni chose to veer the conversation toward the essence of their relationship. “I prefer discussing our relationship rather than the specifics of the message. I keep such interactions private to encourage others to approach me confidently with any concerns,” Dhoni remarked.
Dhoni elaborated on this approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of trust that players place in him. “Players need to feel secure that our conversations remain confidential, ensuring they can seek guidance on cricket or personal matters without hesitation,” he explained.
The admiration Dhoni holds for Kohli is palpable. He lauded Kohli's relentless drive to excel, noting how the young cricketer aspired for more than just satisfactory scores from the outset. “Virat never settled for a mere 40 or 60 runs; he aimed for a century and to finish not out. This hunger to improve and perform, along with his commitment to fitness, defines him,” Dhoni observed.
Recounting the numerous discussions they had, Dhoni highlighted Kohli's eagerness to receive feedback and grow as a player. “Virat frequently sought my insights, reflecting on his game and seeking areas for improvement. Those dialogues were instrumental in strengthening our rapport.”
Dhoni commented on the evolution of their relationship from a captain-newcomer dynamic to a genuine friendship. “Over time, with frequent interactions, we transitioned from a formal relationship to friends.”
Reflecting on their current camaraderie, Dhoni expressed that their roles, post-captaincy, afford them more leisure to connect. “There’s still that respectful line between a senior and a junior, yet our friendship prevails. Not being captains anymore offers us more moments to engage, especially before the toss,” he concluded.