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Veteran bowler Ishant Sharma believes that former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni played a pivotal role in shaping the Virat Kohli’s leadership journey. Dhoni, who led the Indian white-ball teams from 2007 to 2017 and the Test side from 2008 to 2014, played a crucial part in providing opportunities to budding pacers like Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah during his captaincy. Although Dhoni’s leadership didn’t yield as much success in overseas conditions, he played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Indian fast bowlers.
Kohli succeeded Dhoni as captain and led the team exceptionally well, achieving significant success. Under Kohli’s guidance, India saw marked improvements, particularly in overseas Test matches. A key factor contributing to this success was the pace bowlers’ consistent ability to take 20 wickets in the longest format.
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Ishant acknowledges Dhoni for his exceptional communication skills
Speaking on Jio Cinema, Ishant expressed his deep appreciation for the Ranchi-born cricketer’s leadership. He credited Dhoni for his outstanding communication skills and emphasized that there was no one quite like him when it came to connecting with the players. Sharma highlighted that under Kohli, the Indian bowling unit became well-rounded, but during Dhoni’s leadership, the team was undergoing a transitional phase.
“He was the best. When Virat was captain, bowling was complete. When we were playing under Mahi bhai, we were in a transition phase. At that time, Shami and Umesh were new, and only I was there. Everyone else would rotate. Bhuvi was also new. There is no match for Mahi bhai as a communicator,” Ishant said.
Ishant recognizes Dhoni’s role in cultivating emerging fast bowlers
The 34-year-old further emphasized that Dhoni’s role in nurturing young pacers and handing over a formidable pace battery to Kohli has left an enduring impact on Indian cricket.
“But, what he did was groom the bowlers and leave them with Virat. Shami and Umesh, over time, became different bowlers, and then, Jasprit came in. So, he got a complete package,” the Delhi-born cricketer concluded.
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