BY SUNIT JANGIR
The Kolhi we all know and the Kohli who was 10 years back, there have a lot been changed. Every youngster needs support and Kohli was lucky enough to have MS Dhoni when he started his international career. However, the ranked 1 batsman didn't take much time to show his class at the big stage but it was crucial for him that someone like Dhoni has always his back.##
The current India captain in an interview given to 'India Today', expressed his gratitude towards the former captain MS Dhoni for his support in the difficult time and now, as the role has reversed, he is not going to back down from supporting veteran despite the recent criticism Dhoni has faced.##
"It's unfortunate to see so many people going after him. For me, loyalty matters the most," Kohli's words showed his reverence for his first international captain. When I walked into the team he had the option of trying someone else after a few games, although I grabbed my chances for me to get that kind of backing, it was very crucial for me. Also, he gave me an opportunity to bat at No 3 because not many youngsters get to play at No 3," the skipper recalled his formative days in international cricket", Kohli said.##
Even when Kohli is the captain of the ship, he has never hesitated to talk to Dhoni in crunch match situations and that where Kohli believes that they have a lot of respect for each other.##
"It's just about the field placements and bowling changes and we say you know the angles, you know the pace of the pitch and that's why there is so much of trust and respect between the two of us. He is one person, who literally knows the game inside out. He understands the game from 'Ball 1 to Ball 300 (50 overs) on the field. I won't say it a luxury to have him but I am fortunate to have a mind like that from behind the stumps," Kohli said.##
While the World Cup squad of India has announced, Virat Kohli feels that this is the most balanced team they could have picked. "We are very happy with 15 that we have. This is the most balanced side we could have thought of because everyone is in a good space".##
The skipper said that the atmosphere in the dressing room is pretty chilled and relaxed. He himself along with MS Dhoni and vice-captain Rohit Sharma has made sure that the dressing room is in good shape.##
"I think the whole management group, the way they have handled the entire group, it creates a good environment where everyone is relaxed. Our change room is like a living room, chilled out with everyone relaxed.
"Indian team has to be paramount and everyone and players responded in a very positive manner right from the management, myself, Mahi bhai being the senior most guy and everyone. There is one goal and everyone is in sync with that goal." While the World Cup now occupies his mind space, he said that he doesn't need to switch buttons as the intensity always remains the same," He said.##
Talking about the pressure of the World Cup Kohli said, "In 2011, I was not involved in a lot of things, was not involved in a lot of meetings, the pressures that come along. At this point in time, it's going to be different. Even in 2015, I wasn't involved to an extent where I had to be part of everything that is going on.##
"To understand the magnitude of a tournament like this from a captain's point of view is a different ball game. I won't say that I will look to do something different just because its a World Cup. Fortunately, I am in the mindset, I don't have to pick myself up for a series, because I always have the same intensity and drive to take the team over the line".##
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