In January 2022, Virat Kohli made the unexpected decision to step down as India’s Test captain following a series defeat in South Africa. This move came on the heels of his resignation from T20I captaincy and his removal from the ODI leadership role. In a candid revelation during a press conference in September 2022, Kohli shared that among all his teammates, only former captain MS Dhoni reached out to him personally after his resignation.
“When I left Test captaincy, I got a message from only one person with whom I had played previously; that was MS Dhoni,” Kohli stated. He emphasized that while many have his contact information, Dhoni was the sole individual who extended support during that period. “Many people have my number. On TV, people give lots of suggestions; people have a lot to say. But none of the people who had my number sent me a message,” he added.
This gesture from Dhoni stood out to Kohli, highlighting the genuine bond and mutual respect they share. Kohli pointed out the difference between public commentary and private support, noting that true encouragement comes through personal communication rather than public statements. “If you want to give a suggestion to me in front of the world, it holds no value for me. If it is something that will improve me, you can talk one-on-one,” Kohli remarked.
MS Dhoni, known for his reserved nature, addressed this during a corporate event, shedding light on his message to Kohli. “I’m not great when it comes to being in touch with people, but yeah, certain times when you know someone needs you, you just drop in a message,” Dhoni commented. This rare outreach underscores the depth of their relationship, built over years of playing together and leading the Indian cricket team.
Kohli’s journey during this phase was challenging. After stepping down from T20I captaincy and being relieved from ODI leadership, his decision to resign from Test captaincy marked the end of an era. Throughout these transitions, the lack of personal messages from others contrasted sharply with Dhoni’s singular gesture of support.
The bond between Dhoni and Kohli is rooted in mutual respect and a shared understanding of the pressures of leadership. Kohli reflected on this, stating, “When you have respect for someone and that’s genuine, then it looks like that because there is a sense of security on both sides. Neither does he need anything from me, nor do I need anything from him.” This relationship, free from insecurity, has been a cornerstone of their interactions both on and off the field.
In the world of sports, where public opinions are plentiful, the value of private, genuine support cannot be overstated. Dhoni’s discreet message to Kohli serves as a testament to the strength of their camaraderie and offers a lesson in the importance of personal connections amidst public scrutiny.
