The distance between Chennai and Bengaluru is around 340-350 km if you travel via NH 75. But the two metropolitan cities in the south have enough similarities, and some differences too.
For a minute, let’s take into consideration the popular food items of the two cities: Rasam and Sambar. The base of the recipes are made up of similar components. Just that the texture and preparation method are kind of different. Now, we are not into opening a cookery class, but those two food items serve as the essence of how the IPL’s OGs – Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni – have gone about their business in the glitzy world of IPL.
Be it with the willow in hand or while wearing the leader’s cap, the two stalwarts of the game have one thing in common – winning mentality. Yes, critics might question Dhoni’s leadership qualities during the later half of his stint as Test captain. And there could be a few others who would raise the point about India not winning an ICC tournament under Kohli’s captaincy. However, there is no doubt that both are Alpha Males.
Just that the subtext to Dhoni’s captaincy is, he has a cool exterior to how he leads a side. Meanwhile, Kohli comes across as someone who would give it back in kind if he is at the receiving end of any verbal exchange. As he had once said during a tour of Australia in 2018: “We have never been a team that started something, but we always draw a line at our self-respect. If we feel that someone is crossing that line, then we stand against it.”
So, that brings up an intriguing question – what about the memorable CSK-RCB matches from the past, with Dhoni and Kohli being pitted against each other? There was one in April 2019. In the final over, CSK required 26 for victory. Dhoni himself decided to lead from the front by thwacking Umesh Yadav for a slew of sixes. Ultimately, on the back of a run-out, CSK slipped to a gut-wrenching loss. The margin of defeat was a solitary run.
Despite hurtling to a heartbreaking loss, Dhoni didn’t show any emotions and had a matter-of-fact approach to the volley of questions that were thrown at him in the presentation. “I think it was a good game. We did really well to restrict them to a below par total, but we needed some good batting at the top.” It once more encapsulates the two different approaches towards the game.
It can be noted in the way they collect their runs, too. Yes, their manual has one similar maxim – Bat deep into the innings, especially while chasing down targets. Just that there is more cut-thrust activity associated with Kohli’s batting style; it could be something as simple as the RCB mainstay launching a pull versus a 90mph bowler or running between the wickets like a jackrabbit.
Perhaps, there is something to pick in their mannerisms as well. The way Kohli sprints to the crease. The bat moving to-and-fro from one side to another. Then a bit of shadow practice — perfecting the alignment, like head position and front shoulder. At the other end of the spectrum, Dhoni seems to wear his helmet and walk out to the middle in a tranquil manner.
Alas! All good things have to come to an end at some point. At 42, Dhoni is on his last legs as a professional cricketer. The upcoming game against RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium could very well turn out to be his farewell match, if CSK don’t progress to the Playoffs. Kohli himself is going to be 36 this year.
And then you add the other final member of the triumvirate – Rohit Sharma. The crowds just throng to the stadium to watch the threesome, who have their shirts numbered: 18, 45 and 7. Soon, the above-mentioned memories could be confined to history books, but their aura will continue to burgeon bright across generations.
#Weather Update from Bengaluru ☀️
9:30 am, no sign of rain! @ThumsUpOfficial @RCBTweets @ChennaiIPL
We’ll keep updating! #RCBvCSK #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/HKfDaqCCMQ
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) May 18, 2024