MS Dhoni wouldn’t make many changes, Virat Kohli more of horses for courses: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, the former Indian cricketer, has thrown light on the captaincy styles of MS Dhoni and current skipper Virat Kohli. Dhoni and Virat are two of the most successful captains India ever have had. Even as Dhoni has led India to victory in all the limited-overs tournaments by the ICC, Virat is presently their most prominent Test captain after surpassing Dhoni’s tally last year.

Sivaramakrishnan said that Dhoni was someone, who didn’t believe in change and rather continued with the same team for a long time. About Kohli, the 54-year-old said that he prefers to bring forth changes, bearing in mind the playing conditions. However, Sivaramakrishnan, who played nine Tests and 16 ODIs, mentioned that Virat has had bowlers, who are genuine match-winners.

Virat Kohli picks different players, says Sivaramakrishnan

“Virat Kohli makes a lot of changes, MS Dhoni when he was the captain of India would not make too many changes. Virat Kohli likes to make changes, Horses for Courses. So different pitches, he picks different players but all in all Virat has had lots of success because his bowling has been of really high standards,” Sivaramakrishnan was quoted as saying in Times Now.

The former-leg spinner was also asked about whether Virat’s ‘horses for courses’ approach has resulted in India not winning any ICC trophy thus far. Replying to the same, he said that luck hasn’t quite smiled on the Men in Blue.

“No, I think we have been a bit unlucky; we have been coming to the semi-final’s and then losing. They (Indian team) lost to New Zealand in the Semi-Final which was bit unfortunate, But I think over a period of time, we have been very consistent,” he added.

Back in the 2019 World Cup, India went in as one of the favourites. Even in the league stage, they only dropped a game against England at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. Subsequently, they also finished as the table toppers.

However, in the semi-final against New Zealand, Kohli and Co suffered a horrendous batting collapse in their run-chase. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni tried their hearts out with half-centuries. They also stitched together a decent partnership, but their knocks went in vain.