Published: Jan 16, 2024, 08:13 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 16, 2024, 08:13 AM (IST)
Keeping the goal in mind, former India captain Virat Kohli celebrated his comeback to T20I cricket on Sunday by hitting a fast-bowled blow against Afghanistan in the series finale. Due to personal circumstances, Kohli was unable to play in the opening match of the series. This was his first T20I match for Rohit Sharma and team since the 2022 World Cup. Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan spoke candidly on his friendship with captain Virat Kohli during their time together on Team India, as Kohli returned to the T20I fold for the World Cup.
The last time Dhawan appeared for Rohit’s team in an international match was in 2022 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium against Bangladesh. In the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the seasoned opener hopes to improve his T20 value. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be captained by Dhawan in the 2024 edition of the wealthiest tournament in the world. Dhawan, who is among the best left-handed hitters in the limited overs format, has represented India under three different captains: Rohit, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni.
Dhawan’s remarks on Kohli
In an interview with the Times of India, Dhawan praised Kohli for being the driving force behind the young and vibrant culture within the Indian team. “He gives young people who have talent encouragement and support, giving them the chance to succeed. Kohli emphasises conditioning and physical fitness a lot. Under his leadership, the emphasis on physical fitness has grown to be a crucial part of the team culture. Kohli sets the standard for excellence with his performances. “His aggressive batting style often sets the tone for the team, and he expects his players to play with the same intensity,” Dhawan stated.
How Kohli made his T20I comeback
In Sunday’s 2nd T20I against Afghanistan in Indore, Kohli, ranked as India’s third best batsman, scored 29 runs off just 16 balls. The 35-year-old hit five fours in his key knock. Despite Kohli’s dismissal during the first powerplay, India easily defeated Afghanistan by six wickets at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. For the Afghanistan series, Kohli and Rohit have recently rejoined India’s T20I team. India’s final Twenty20 International assignment before the ICC World T20 in the 2024 season is this three-match series.
Dhoni is renowned for his adept man-management abilities.
During the same session, Dhawan recalled playing under the supervision of former India skipper MS Dhoni. In the IPL 2024, Dhoni, a former captain of India, will captain the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK decided to keep Dhoni on staff after the Ranchi legend helped Chennai win their fifth IPL championship the previous year. Dhawan, an Indian southpaw, too talked extensively about Dhoni’s cool-headedness. “His captaincy has always been characterised by this level-headedness. Dhoni bhai is frequently complimented on his innate ability to make decisions. He makes good decisions, especially under duress, and he has a flair for following his cricketing instincts. He continued, “Dhoni bhai is renowned for his adept man-management abilities.
