No trust deficit between Kohli and ‘priceless’ MS Dhoni
BONDING Duo has gelled well when controversy over coach Anil Kumble has not shown dressing room in good light
LONDON: The body language between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni in the ICC Champions Trophy has been one of trust and respect and that’s probably why the Indian team is turning up brilliantly on the big days.
The hunt for India’s next head coach has been a messy affair. Kohli may deny reports of ‘rift’ with chief coach Anil Kumble but if seeing is believing, the captain seems to be enjoying Dhoni’s company more than the coach’s.
After India thrashed South Africa in a most compelling fashion in a massive game at The Oval on Sunday to storm into the semifinals, Kohli credited his bowlers and hinted his players sought space and freedom at work.
“(While) you have to point out things that didn’t go well, you don’t want to be nagging them too much because they are professional cricketers, and I’ve played with a lot of these guys.
“You have to understand how to speak to them and how to communicate and discuss things with them,” said Kohli.
There may not be any open rift, but communication between coach and captain may not be at 4G speed. A total breakdown or an honourable exit for Kumble at the end of the Champions Trophy cannot be ruled out at this stage. India play Bangladesh in the semis in Birmingham on June 15.
On Saturday morning when the team trained at the Oval, Kumble hardly supervised the nets. When Kumble walked up to check the wicket, Kohli was nowhere to be seen. There is clearly a trust deficit and here is where Kohli has looked up to Dhoni, and he has responded admirably.
It is now eloquently clear that the Cricket Advisory Committee’s decision to appoint Kumble ahead of the happy-go-lucky Ravi Shastri certainly did not amuse Kohli. News of an extra term for Kumble has only made Kohli’s mind restless.
In this crisis of sorts, Dhoni has been playing a comforting role, something that has won Kohli’s respect.
The former skipper’s involvement on the field when South Africa batted on Sunday was high and ‘apprentice’ Kohli, never shy of seeking Dhoni’s guidance, was one for the cameras.
“His (Dhoni’s) input is always very precise, very helpful at any stage of the game... today it was all about asking him whether to keep the slip in there long enough or what does he think of the fields and just taking assurance.
“Obviously you don’t want to feel isolated out there. Yes, you’re making decisions, but the inputs from such experienced players are priceless at any stage ,” said Kohli.
Success or failure, feels Kohli, is shared by a team, not scripted by any individual. And this ‘individual’ may well be Anil Kumble.