Dhoni, 37, led India to World Cup victory at home in 2011 but his patchy form in recent times has led critics to question the wicketkeeper-batsman’s place on the side. Last week, selectors picked Dhoni in a 15-member World Cup squad ahead of the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant, triggering fresh debate about his cricketing skills. But Kohli, who played under Dhoni before taking over the skipper’s mantle, said defending him was a matter of loyalty. For me, loyalty matters the most,” Kohli told India Today TV channel Thursday. India begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on June 5.

Source: Pakistan Today April 19, 2019 10:52 UTC