Kohli bats for Dhoni inclusion

India’s Virat Kohli has gone to bat for his former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying it was unfortunate to see so many people going after the veteran player.

Dhoni, 37, led India to World Cup victory at home in 2011 but his patchy form in recent times has led critics to question the wicketkeeper-batsman's place on the side.

Last week, selectors picked Dhoni in a 15-member World Cup squad ahead of the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant, triggering fresh debate about his cricketing skills.

But Kohli, who played under Dhoni before taking over the skipper's mantle, said defending him was a matter of loyalty.

“It's unfortunate to see so many people going after him. For me, loyalty matters the most,” Kohli told India Today TV channel Thursday.

Kohli bats for Dhoni inclusion

Indias Virat Kohli has gone to bat for his former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying it was unfortunate to see so many people going after the veteran player. Dhoni, 37, led India to World Cup victory at home in 2011 but his patchy form in recent times has led critics to question the wicketkeeper-batsmans place on the side. Last week, selectors picked Dhoni in a 15-member World Cup squad ahead of the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant, triggering fresh debate about his cricketing skills. But Kohli, who played under Dhoni before taking over the skippers mantle, said defending him was a matter of loyalty. Its unfortunate to see so many people going after him. For me, loyalty matters the most, Kohli told India Today TV channel Thursday.