Indian players who debuted under MS Dhoni and went on to become superstars under Virat Kohli
Follow Us
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni
India have had some tremendous success in the 2010s decade and into the early 2020s as well. From winning the World Cup to the Champions Trophy triumph to retaining the Test Mace for a whopping five times in a row, India have been one of the most feared sides in world cricket. Blessed with extraordinary talents in their ranks, India also owe their success in large to the captains that they have had.
They have had just two over the course of the last ten years or so in the legendary MS Dhoni and the iconic Virat Kohli. While Dhoni delivered trophy after trophy for India, Kohli has brought about a sense of consistency, especially in the Test format.
Both markedly different captains, Dhoni and Kohli have played a key role in spotting and helping young talents develop into world beaters. On that note, we take a look at five players who made their debuts under and were backed by MS Dhoni before going on to become superstars under Virat Kohli. It is worth noting here that the said captaincy of Dhoni and Kohli might not have had a direct impact on their performances, but merely that the players have become better with time.
Hardik Pandya
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has developed into one of the most feared finishers in world cricket. Armed with immense power, the 27-year-old has gone on to become one of the best in the business. Although he hasn’t bowled much in recent times due to a back issue, he is also a more than handy bowler who can deliver when called upon.
Pandya debuted under MS Dhoni in 2016 following his impressive showing in the 2015 IPL and since the, has become a permanent fixture of the Indian limited-overs sides.
Cheteshwar Pujara
The definition of a gritty batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara is one of the best Test players India has ever had. Touted to be the replacement for the irreplaceable Rahul Dravid, Pujara has gone on to make his own name with some determined and dogged displays with the bat. His performances in Australia in the last two series wins are testament to the Saurashtra batsman’s impressive technique.
Pujara made his debut way back in 2010 under MS Dhoni and after the latter’s retirement, has only gone from strength to strength under Virat Kohli.
Mohammed Shami
One of the most underrated bowlers in the Indian team, Mohammed Shami‘s stats speak for themselves. He has a stunning 144 scalps in just 79 ODIs at an average of 25.62. Further, in the Test format, he has 180 from 50 which is a remarkable haul.
Shami made his debut under Dhoni back in 2013 after his good performances in the first-class setup. Following Dhoni giving up his captaincy as well, Shami has continued developing and become an assured performer.
Ravichandran Ashwin
One of the greatest, if not the greatest off-spinner India has ever had, Ravichandran Ashwin was constantly backed by MS Dhoni in the early years of the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings franchise. Taking the cricket world by storm, Ashwin went on to make his debut for India and since then, he has developed to become one of the best spinners of all time.
Ashwin made his debut in 2010 and after Dhoni’s retirement from Tests, has grown in importance further under Kohli’s captaincy. Although he is not a part of the limited overs set-up now, his importance to the Indian Test side is paramount.
Ravindra Jadeja
One of the players who was backed by MS Dhoni right from the very beginning despite some below-average performances, Ravindra Jadeja has had one of the most stunning developments in the world of cricket as he has gone from an ordinary all-rounder to perhaps the best in the world.
Across all three formats and in all aspects of the game, Jadeja is par excellence. The southpaw has only kept improving with time and is on course to become one of the greatest all-rounders India has ever produced, if he already isn’t one.
Also Read: IPL Memories: Best all-time 11 of CSK
Stay Updated!
Nevin Clinton
(2399 Articles Published)