“We are after his life” - When Virat Kohli shut out criticism on MS Dhoni’s slow knock during IND vs NZ 2017 series

Star India batter Virat Kohli once shut out criticism on former captain and veteran MS Dhoni after his slow knock during a series between India and New Zealand in 2017. It was during the second T20I in Rajkot where Dhoni's role had come under scrutiny.

India were chasing 197 for victory. While Kohli scored 65 runs off 42 balls, the hosts lost wickets at the other end and were in trouble. Dhoni, who had walked out to bat at number six, scored 49 runs off 37 balls, striking at 132.43. However, it wasn't good enough as India could only manage 156/7.

In the post-match press conference, Kohli defended Dhoni, hitting back at his critics.

"I don't understand that why people are only pointing him out. I'm not able to understand this," he said. "If I fail as a batsman three times no one is going to point a finger at me because I am not over 35. The guy is fit, he is passing all the fitness tests. He is contributing to the team in every way possible, tactially on the field and with the bat. The batsmen who are set from top find it easier to strike the ball straightaway compared to guys who come lower down the order."

Kohli continued:

He is doing absolutely fine. He is working hard on his game, he understands his role but it doesn't come off everytime. Suddenly he doesn't score in one game then we are after his life. I think people need to be a bit more patient. He is a guy who understands where his cricket is. He's a very smart guy and he understands where he stands with body, with his game. I don't think anyone else has the right to decide that for him."

Watch a clip of the same posted by a user on Instagram:

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MS Dhoni inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Veteran cricketer MS Dhoni has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The 43-year-old is among the greatest white-ball captains in history, having won all three ICC trophies - the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and the Champions Trophy.

Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 in an ODI match against Bangladesh. He went on to play 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is for India, scoring 4,876 runs, 10,773 runs, and 1,617 runs respectively in each format.

The wicket-keeper batter is still playing competitive cricket for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. He captained the side for much of the recently concluded season in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad.