IPL 2020: Gautam Gambhir Points Out The Biggest Difference Between The Captaincy Of MS Dhoni And Virat Kohli

Former Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has underlined the most significant difference between the captaincy of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli concerning IPL. Gautam Gambhir, who is a two-time IPL winner with the Kolkata Knight Riders, changed the franchise’s fortunes after taking over as captain. After 12 seasons of IPL, Virat Kohli’s Bangalore has not lifted the IPL trophy even once while MS Dhoni-led Chennai has won it thrice.

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As a captain, Virat Kohli has remained unable to turn around the fortunes of the Bangalore-based franchise. It was in 2016 that the team made to the final for only the third time and managed to fall one step short of lifting the trophy. Since then, RCB has not finished higher than sixth on the points table, including finishing last in 2017 and 2019. Their death-bowling has often led them down while there is also overdependence on captain Kohli and AB De Villiers for the run-scoring.

Gautam Gambhir feels that MS Dhoni sticks with his players for six or seven matches unlike Virat Kohli, who keeps triggering changes continuously. He pointed out that RCB makes amendments quite rapidly since they believe they lack balance in their line-up. Gambhir added that RCB still look a batting-heavy; however, their bowlers would be glad not to play seven games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“The biggest difference between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni is that MS Dhoni persists with his players for 6-7 matches. If you see RCB’s trend, they make changes very quickly because they have a doubt that their playing XI does not have a proper balance. I still feel that RCB look a little batting-heavy. But one thing that you will see a little different is that the bowlers will be happy because they will not have to play 7 matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” Gambhir told in the Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

Gautam Gambhir wants Virat Kohli to back the players even if Bangalore start the season poorly:

The 38-year old went on to state that Virat Kohli must back the players, giving them six or seven games even if the team endures a poor start. The former left-handed batsman continued saying that only if the skipper persists with them, he will get performances and if Kohli believes it is the most balanced squad, his ability to stick with them will be vital.

“So I would want to see from RCB that even if the start is not good, they should persist with their playing XI and give them 6-7 matches. Because then only the players will give you performances and not if you give one or two matches. So if Virat Kohli has calmness in his mind that this is the most balanced squad, the important thing will be how they perform and how much he persists with these players,” he added.

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