Virat Kohli credits MS Dhoni for teaching captaincy skills, leadership abilities

New Delhi, Oct 6: In his short stint as Test skipper, Virat Kohli has achieved some incredible records in the longer format of the game.

Ind-NZ series schedule

The 27-year-old, who made history under his captaincy in Sri Lanka and West Indies, thanked his predecessor MS Dhoni for his transition from a player to a skipper.

Under Kohli's leadership, India have won nine out of 16 Tests and lost only two, with other five ending in draws. As a skipper, the aggressive Delhi batsman is yet to lose a Test at home. (Virat Kohli equals MS Dhoni's record)

In an interview to BCCI.TV, Kohli admitted that he has been an admirer of Dhoni's leadership abilities. Kohli was impressed by Dhoni's belief in himself and the way he backed his instincts, whatever may be the outcome.

"Decision making is very hard at times and it takes a lot of courage to do that. I learnt a lot from Dhoni, seeing the way he made decisions. They might have been right or wrong, but to convince yourself to make one decision and go forward with it; I think that is the essence of being a captain," Kohli said.

Kohli also revealed that before taking over the reigns from Dhoni he used to focus primarily on his performance, but after becoming captain the Delhi lad started taking the extra responsibility of taking care of others as well. (Saina inspired by Dhoni biopic)

"When I was playing under Dhoni it was all about preparing for my own batting plans and I didn't have so much responsibility in terms of leading the team. I would talk to Dhoni, fellow players and to batsmen and bowlers about plans but the decision wasn't left on me.

"After I became captain, things changed in the sense that I understood that I had to take decisions now. That extra responsibility helped me play even better than I probably would have been. It takes your mind off from a lot of other things that might cloud your head. For me it is an honour to take up that responsibility for the team, soak up that pressure for the others in the team," he added further.

(Coaches say 2 major incidents missed in MS Dhoni's biopic)

At 27, Kohli captained India to the numero uno position in Test cricket and his hunger for success can be gauged from the fact that he and his team mates share a common goal -- sustained excellence.

"To become a great player, you need to play great as a team and then your performances count. That is our aim.

"Obviously there will be ups and downs and you will feel the heat and take criticism and negative things along the way. But that is what it is all about, that builds character," he added.

When asked about stern decisions in future, which might not please some of his fellow players, Kohli admitted that there will be tough decisions some times but assurances will also be given at the same time.

"People in this team understand they might not get a chance to play all the time but they are not going anywhere from the squad. That for them is an assurance and a commitment from the team's point of view that we will back you as players and want to have you in our squad but there will be changes according to conditions quite a few times. The guys appreciate honesty in the changing room," added Kohli.

OneIndia News