‘They have a certain aura when they walk onto the pitch’ – Shahid Kapoor reveals he was inspired by MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli while preparing for Jersey

Veteran actor Shahid Kapoor has named MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as his inspirations while preparing for his upcoming movie Jersey. Even as Dhoni retired from international cricket back in August 2020, Kohli remains as India’s Test skipper after relinquishing T20I captaincy and subsequently getting dropped as the ODI captain.

Jersey, also featuring Mrunal Thakur, Pankaj Kapur and Geetika Mehandru, is set to hit the silver-screens on Friday, December 31. On Dhoni and Kohli, the 40-year-old Kapoor said that he was awestruck with the aura of the two legendary Indian cricketers.

I connected with their passion for the sport, says Shahid Kapoor

“As a batsman, there is no point in taking inspiration, because you will never be able to play as well as professional cricketers. But there is something about the presence and the personality of certain people which appeal to me.

“And I think MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are two batsmen who I felt have a certain aura when they walk onto the pitch,” Kapoor was quoted as saying during an interview with Bollywood Hungama.

Kapoor, who’s been plying his trade in the Indian film industry for over a decade, lauded Kohli and Dhoni for their immense passion and dedication towards the sport.

“Those were two people that I saw a little bit before playing this guy (Arjun Talwar) because I connected with them not just as cricketers, but I connected with their passion for the sport. I could feel that every minute when they are on the ground and that is very inspiring to see in any sportsperson,” he added.

In the movie, Shahid is yet to play the role of a failed 36-year-old cricketer, who makes a comeback to the sport to fulfill is son’s wish. The film is a remake of a Telugu hit that featured Nani in the lead role. The movie was slated to release earlier this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to its delay.

As far as Kohli is concerned, he is currently in South Africa for India’s three-match Test series. Dhoni, in the meantime, has been retained by the Chennai Super Kings to play in the 2022 Indian Premier League.