Virat Kohli Says MS Dhoni 'Made Me Run Like In A Fitness Test', Social Media Fuels Retirement Rumours

Virat Kohli is gearing up for fresh challenges after the disappointing semi-final exit in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and a dominant performance in the West Indies. The Delhi Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) is naming a stand after the current Indian skipper and he is all set to resume battle against South Africa in three Twenty20 Internationals and three Tests. However, on social media, he shared a special photo with MS Dhoni and hailed him by stating, "A game I can never forget. Special night. This man, made me run like in a fitness test @msdhoni."

The picture which Kohli shared was during the clash against Australia in the 2016 World T20 at Mohali. India had just survived elimination in their previous game against Bangladesh as they won the match in Bangalore by one run. In the clash against Australia, a win would see them enter the semi-finals. Australia chose to bat and they notched up 160/6 in 20 overs with Aaron Finch slamming 43 and some decent contributions down the order.

In response, India lost Rohit Sharma (12), Shikhar Dhawan (13) and Suresh Raina (10) cheaply as they were struggling at 49/3. Virat Kohli held the key in the chase and he found a able ally in Yuvraj Singh as the duo strung a 45-run stand. Yuvraj was plagued by an ankle injury but managed to hit 21 off 18 balls but once he fell, the pressure was back on India.

After Yuvraj's wicket, Kohli found the boundaries and notched up a fifty but India needed 39 off 18 balls. However, the next two overs saw Kohli at his peak. He blasted two fours and a six off James Faulkner. In between, he ran hard with Dhoni and stole a couple of braces as India clawed back. Kohli sealed the deal in the next over bowled by Nathan Coulter-Nile by hammering four boundaries. Dhoni won the match by hammering a four off Faulkner. India won the match by six wickets to qualify for the semi-final and the relief was evident on Kohli as he sank to his knees and acknowledged the magnitude of the knock.

A game I can never forget. Special night. This man, made me run like in a fitness test 😄 @msdhoni 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/pzkr5zn4pG

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 12, 2019

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After the match, Kohli would remark, "Probably the top right now, because I'm a bit emotional, so I would like to put this on top. Against Australia, a world-class side, literally a quarter-final for us, we had to go over the line. There's a lot riding on us in this World Cup, we are playing at home and the crowds want to see us and we just want to give them as much entertainment and fun as possible."

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However, the post from Kohli also increased speculation that Dhoni was going to announce his retirement soon. Social media users started trending #Dhoni and it fuelled rumours that the former Indian skipper was stepping down from all forms of cricket.

HIGHLIGHTS

• India eliminated Australia from the 2016 World T20.
• Virat Kohli hit 82 and shared a partnership of 68 with MS Dhoni.
• Virat Kohli will have a stand named after him at Arun Jaitley Stadium.