'Nothing but love and respect always' - Virat Kohli comes up with special note on MS Dhoni's 41st birthday

The date 7th of July is of utter importance for Indian cricket fans as it was on this day when one of the nation’s most adored captains, MS Dhoni, was born. Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli took to Instagram to wish his former skipper and thank him for his contributions to Indian cricket on the latter’s birthday.

Dhoni is one of the most celebrated cricketers of all time due to his impact on the national team. Dhoni took Indian cricket to unpredicted heights, as under his leadership, the Indian team lifted all the major ICC trophies, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. Regarded as one of the greatest finishers of the game, the wicketkeeper-batter stepped down from his International duties in 2020.

The batting great still plies his trade in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings and was reappointed as the captain of the side midway through IPL 2022. Former Indian skipper and current top-order batter Virat Kohli congratulated him on his 41st birthday by posting a special message on Instagram.

Kohli, whose career flourished under the regime of Dhoni, posted a collage that included pictures of them playing together for the Indian team and having fun in the IPL. His post read: “A leader like no other. Thanks for everything you have done for Indian cricket. 🇮🇳 You became more like an elder brother to me. Nothing but love and respect always.
Happy birthday, skip .”

Thanks for everything: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s woeful form continued against England

England completed a comprehensive victory against India in the rescheduled fifth Test at Birmingham as they chased down a record total in the fourth innings to end the series on level terms. Kohli, who was making the rounds on social media for his altercation with England’s match-winner Jonny Bairstow, failed to muster a significant contribution with the bat.

The former Indian skipper is not a part of the Indian squad for the first T20I against England that commences on Thursday, the 7th of July. His form remains a concern for the team management, who are looking to find their best batting combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.