Interacting with media for first time after stepping down from the Indian cricket team’s limited-overs captaincy, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has hinted that he will not turn his face away from the leader’s role. With age not on his side, the 35-year-old is expected to enjoy the game to the fullest without the burden of any added responsibility except his batting but he has said he’ll be Virat Kohli’s deputy in limited-overs format.
Ajinkya Rahane was the vice-captain during the Test series against the West Indies but the selectors have not named Kohli’s deputy since then. There were rumors that Ravichandran Ashwin was set to be appointed as the vice-captain but there has been no official confirmation so far. And now Dhoni has insisted that the wicketkeeper is always the vice-captain of the team irrespective of any official confirmation.
“Wicketkeeper is always the vice-captain of the side irrespective of whether he’s announced vice-captain or not,” revealed Dhoni in the pre-match conference ahead of the first ODI against England in Pune.
He further said he is yet to talk with Kohli on the issue.
“In this scenario, I’ll have to keep an eye out on what the skipper really wants. I’ve already had this chat with Virat about this,” he said.
Newly-appointed skipper Kohli has been doing a great job as the Test captain but limited-overs game will be a different ball game. But with Dhoni on his side, he would not have to look far for any suggestion and Dhoni said he will always be ready to give vital inputs to his successor.
I’ll be there to give as many suggestions as possible to Virat” he said.
“Virat and I have been very close right from the start. Virat was somebody who always wanted to improve in whatever chances he got. The reason why he is successful because he always wanted to contribute more. He has improvised his cricket. He will keep getting better with the responsibilities. In comparison to Tests, ODI is an easier format. I will give my feedback to him as a wicketkeeper. The more I can serve to him (Virat) the better it will be for our team,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the ODI series between India-England will start on January 15.