Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has elevated the status of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli beyond mere cricket icons, describing them as “institutions” whose influence will endure for generations to come.
Speaking as a JioStar expert during the ongoing IPL 2024, Sidhu delivered an impassioned assessment of the two modern cricket giants during a media interaction where he delved into their extraordinary impact on the sport.
“People call them icons. I call them institutions,” Sidhu declared with characteristic eloquence. “Virat Kohli’s name will stay for generations. Dhoni’s name will stay for generations. Why? For stamping their supremacy throughout the world over a period of time with longevity and adapting to all formats, the attitude of a lion.”
The former India batsman drew compelling parallels between Kohli and legendary cricket figures of past eras, particularly comparing him to the charismatic Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi for his ability to fill stadiums with his mere presence.
“Someone with his charisma and magnetism has eclipsed across the globe. Across the globe, he is a great role model. The kids in the street want to be Virat Kohli. That’s the kind of impact,” Sidhu emphasized, highlighting Kohli’s transcendent appeal that extends well beyond cricket’s traditional boundaries.
When discussing Dhoni, Sidhu’s admiration reached even greater heights, particularly regarding his unprecedented leadership credentials that have redefined cricket captaincy in India.
“Somewhere down the line, if you look at Dhoni, the best captain that India has ever produced by miles. The one who makes the world move,” Sidhu said. “A leader is the one who moves forward. Man’s rank is his ability to uplift. The one who instills faith in those who follow him. The one who makes ordinary people extraordinary.”
At 43, Dhoni continues to defy age with his exceptional wicketkeeping skills, a fact that clearly impressed Sidhu during recent IPL matches. The former India opener marveled at a particular lightning-quick stumping executed by Dhoni that left spectators and analysts astonished.
“He is 43 years old, friend. Look at the way he did that stumping. It was greased lightning yesterday. I mean, a young man will not be able to do it. How he inspires people,” Sidhu remarked.
Perhaps the most telling indication of Dhoni’s stature, according to Sidhu, is the reverence shown by opposing teams who eagerly gather to interact with the Chennai Super Kings stalwart after matches – a rare honor in competitive sport that underscores his unparalleled position in cricket’s pantheon.
As the IPL 2024 season progresses, both Kohli and Dhoni continue to demonstrate why they have transcended conventional stardom to become, in Sidhu’s words, true institutions whose legacy will endure long after their playing days conclude.