'Calm and aggressive' - Shikhar Dhawan compares captaincy traits of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli

Indian cricket has been blessed with some fabulous captains over the years. From the likes of Mansoor Pataudi and Kapil Dev to the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and now Rohit Sharma, capable personalities have donned India's captaincy hat.

Under Dhoni's inspirational leadership, India won three ICC events - the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Shikhar Dhawan cemented his place as India's opener across formats during Dhoni's spell as captain and was the highest run-getter in the Champions Trophy. He went out of favour in Tests and T20Is but did go on to show remarkable consistency in ODI cricket even after Kohli took up captaincy.

With Kohli at the helm, India became one of the strongest sides in Test cricket and produced some famous results overseas, including a runner-up finish in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final. The 'Men in Blue' also reached the semifinals of the 2019 ODI World Cup under the Delhi batter's captaincy.

Dhawan, who spent a considerable amount of his international career under the leadership of Dhoni and Kohli, recently spoke about their distinct captaincy methods.

"Both MS Dhoni bhai and Virat Kohli have distinct styles of captaincy, shaped by their personalities, approaches to the game, and leadership philosophies. I have played under them and have good relations with them. I think both of them are exceptional cricketers and everyone wants to become like them only," Dhawan told The Times of India in an exclusive interview.

The southpaw explained how Dhoni remains calm and composed and trusts his cricketing instincts in pressure situations.

"Dhoni bhai is known for his calm and composed demeanour on the field, regardless of the match situation. This cool-headed approach has been a hallmark of his captaincy. Dhoni bhai is often praised for his instinctive decision-making. He trusts his cricketing instincts and has a knack for making the right calls, particularly in pressure situations," Dhawan said.

"Dhoni bhai is known for his effective man-management skills. He remains calm under pressure and is supportive of his players, creating a positive team environment," Dhawan added.

Meanwhile, Dhawan lauded Kohli for encouraging young talents and prioritising fitness and conditioning. The experienced campaigner said that Kohli's aggressive style of batting sets the template for the team.

"Virat Kohli has cultivated a youthful and energetic team environment. He encourages young talents and is willing to back them, providing opportunities for them to flourish. Kohli places a strong emphasis on fitness and conditioning. This focus on physical fitness has become a key aspect of the team culture under his captaincy," Dhawan said.

"Kohli leads from the front with his performances. His aggressive style of batting often sets the tone for the team., and he expects a similar level of intensity from his players," he ended.