“People started doubting his Test batting” - When Virat Kohli came to MS Dhoni’s defence after landmark 224 in BGT 2012/13
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are arguably the two biggest names when it comes to Indian cricket, especially since the turn of the century. Despite the numerous fan wars involving the two legendary cricketers, the duo maintained an excellent relationship on and off the field.
One of the earliest moments of the duo having each other's back came when Kohli defended Dhoni against critics of the latter's Test batting. It was after the then-Indian captain smashed his highest Test score of 224 in the opener of the 2012-13 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Chennai.
There was immense pressure on skipper Dhoni after India suffered a shocking home Test series loss to England before the Australian series. The wicketkeeper-batter had also not scored a century since November 2011, over 15 months before the 224 in Chennai.
Dhoni was unbeaten on 206 at stumps on Day 3 and Kohli hailed the captain's knock after the day's play by saying [quoted by ESPNCricinfo]:
"People started doubting his Test batting, because he wasn't getting ample opportunities. If the team is five down, you have to negotiate the pressure, then you expect the guy to get a hundred every four games. It's pretty difficult. Once he's settled, he is one of the most experienced guys to play with the lower order, he knows how to play with the tail. So yes, that's a huge difference he could make at No. 6 going ahead in Test matches."
Kohli himself scored a magnificent 107 in the innings as India scored a massive 572 to capture a 192-run first innings lead. India won the match by eight wickets and went on to clinch the series 4-0.
The 224 by Dhoni remains the third highest Test score by a wicketkeeper behind only Andy Flower and Kumar Sangakkara.
A lookback at MS Dhoni's Test career
![Dhoni saved India from dire situations several times in his Test career [Credit: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/916be-17265689654900-1920.jpg?w=500)
While MS Dhoni is recognized as one of the all-time greats in white-ball cricket, his Test record often goes unnoticed.
The now-43-year-old finished with 4,876 runs at an average of over 38, including 6 centuries and 33 half-centuries in 90 Tests. The numbers are even more impressive, considering Dhoni batted at No.6 or below in 139 out of his 144 Test innings.
The legendary cricketer boasted outstanding averages of 54.40 and 59.66 in Tests in New Zealand and Pakistan. Dhoni is also third all-time behind only Adam Gilchrist and Mark Boucher for overall Test runs.
He was a mainstay in the India Test side for almost a decade from 2005 to 2014 and also captained the team for most of his Test career. Dhoni is also fifth all-time in dismissals among wicket-keepers with 294 - 256 catches and 38 stumpings.
His final Test appearance for India came in the 2014-15 tour of Australia. Dhoni led India in 60 Tests, winning 27 and losing 18 with 15 draws.