MS Dhoni reveals why he texted Virat Kohli after his Test captaincy exit

Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni recently opened up about his equation with Virat Kohli and the reason behind sending him a message in 2022 when Kohli stepped down as India’s Test captain. Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor and measured words, admitted that he is not someone who keeps in touch regularly but makes an effort to reach out when needed.

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Kohli had earlier revealed that after he relinquished Test captaincy in 2022, only one person from the cricketing fraternity had reached out to him—MS Dhoni. This revelation had surprised many, considering the number of players Kohli had shared the dressing room with over the years. Now, Dhoni has provided insight into why he chose to text Kohli at that moment when no one else did.

Why Dhoni decided to text Virat Kohli in 2022

During an event, Dhoni was asked about his message to Kohli and their relationship over the years. Responding to the question, Dhoni said that while he is not someone who frequently stays in touch with people, he believes in reaching out when the moment demands it.

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“It’s déjà vu. I was asked a similar question recently; you will see the answer during the IPL. I’m not great when it comes to being in touch with people, but yeah, certain times when someone needs you, you just drop in a message,” Dhoni said.

His response hinted at his philosophy of offering support in a quiet and personal manner rather than making public statements. While Dhoni did not elaborate further, his gesture reflected the strong yet understated bond he shares with Kohli.

What Kohli had said about Dhoni’s message

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In 2022, after stepping down from Test captaincy, Kohli spoke about the lack of personal messages from fellow cricketers despite many having his contact number. He had pointed out that Dhoni was the only one who reached out to him privately.

“Let me tell you one thing: when I left Test captaincy, I got a message from only one person, with whom I had played previously; that was MS Dhoni. Many people have my number. On TV, people give lots of suggestions; people have a lot to say. But none of the people who had my number sent me a message,” Kohli had said.

His words emphasized the value of genuine support over public opinions and advice. Dhoni’s response further highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie the two cricketing greats continue to share.

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