MS Dhoni is a 'great mentor' to Virat Kohli, still has a lot to offer: VVS Laxman

New Delhi, Sep 12: Legendary India batsman VVS Laxman has backed former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and said there's still a lot of cricket left in the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman.

Kohli-Smith not here to make friends: Laxman

When asked about Dhoni's recent performances during India's limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, Laxman said the former India skipper is still at his best and the 36-year-old is also acting as a perfect mentor to Kohli as well as the entire team.

"Absolutely there's a lot of cricket is left in him (Dhoni). What has impressed me about Dhoni is the way he has been working hard on his fitness. He is naturally fit, but he is so lean now. He is going to the gym regularly, he is working out regularly, which is a great change in him," Laxman, who has shared the dressing room with the former skipper, told Youtube channel Sports Tak.

The stylish right-handed batsman from Hyderabad also hailed Dhoni for the kind of knocks he played in Sri Lanka. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Dhoni is still looking to improve which proves he's still has a lot to give.

"Also, there is a change in his technique, which says that he is always looking to improve. Some of the knocks he played, especially when India were under pressure in Sri Lanka, tell us there is no one better than Dhoni," he added.

Laxman also implied that Dhoni is still regarded as a leader by his teammates and he, therefore, is acting as a mentor for the entire team.

"The way he contributed as a leader on the field was great. He is probably India's most successful captain. I think he is now a great mentor to other players in the team and also to captain Kohli," Laxman said.

India and Australia will play five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals. The first game will be played at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (September 17).