MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are two of the best captains in Indian Cricket history. Every cricket fan compares their captaincy, without a doubt. Some of them use MS Dhoni as an example of a successful Indian captain, while others choose Virat Kohli. Some people compare their trophies, while others compare their number of victories and win percentage. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but it is obvious that Virat Kohli carries the momentum and legacy of MS Dhoni. With MS Dhoni’s assistance and leadership, Virat Kohli was able to achieve his success. If we look at the temperament and nature of both these players, we know that there is a huge difference. MS Dhoni is known as a cool captain, while Virat Kohli has been a very aggressive player and captain. But who is better? We will find out in this article.
Virat Kohli Vs MS Dhoni Overall Captaincy Record
MS Dhoni led India in 332 matches, while Virat Kohli led India in 213 matches. If we look at the overall win percentage, then Virat Kohli has a higher win rate of 63 than MS Dhoni’s 53. The difference in stats is due to the fact that MS Dhoni-led team India for a longer duration than Virat Kohli.
MS Dhoni has won 05 total trophies at the international level. Out of a total of 05, 03 were ICC Trophies, and 02 were Asia Cup. He is the only captain in Indian cricket history to win ICC Trophies in each format.
Virat Kohli Vs MS Dhoni ODI Captaincy Record
In ODI cricket, MS Dhoni has more wins than Virat Kohli, but Virat has a higher win rate 0f 68 % as compared to 55 % of MS Dhoni. Statistically, Virat Kohli is ahead as captain in ODI cricket, but the impact of MS Dhoni is still there.
Under MS Dhoni, Team India won the 2011 ODI World Cup, which is one of the best legacies India has acquired.
| ODI | MS Dhoni | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 200 | 95 |
| Won | 110 | 65 |
| Win % | 55 | 68 |
| Lost | 74 | 27 |
| Tied | 05 | 01 |
| NR | 11 | 02 |
| W/L | 1.4 | 2.4 |
Virat Kohli Vs MS Dhoni T20I Captaincy Record
In T20I cricket, MS Dhoni led more matches for India than Virat Kohli. He won 41 matches with a win rate of 56 with a win-to-loss ratio of 1.4.
If we compare the win percentage of both these players in t20I, Virat Kohli has a higher win percentage than MS Dhoni.
If we compare lost matches, Virat Kohli has lost fewer matches in T20I as compared to MS Dhoni.
- MS Dhoni Won 41 out of 72 matches as a captain in T20I.
- Virat Kohli won 30 out of 50 T20 international matches.
| T20I | MS Dhoni | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 72 | 50 |
| Won | 41 | 30 |
| Win % | 56 | 60 |
| Lost | 28 | 16 |
| Tied | 01 | 02 |
| NR | 02 | 02 |
| W/L | 1.4 | 1.8 |
Virat Kohli Vs MS Dhoni Test Captaincy Record
Based on stats, Virat Kohli is ahead of MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli led India in 68 Test matches, while MS Dhoni led 60 matches. If we compare the number of wins, Virat Kohli won 40 matches while MS Dhoni 27 matches. India beat Australia in Australia for the first during his captaincy. Moreover, he helped India into the 2021 World Test Championship finals. Although India lost the finals against New Zealand, but team India fought well in this championship. In his seven years as the Test captain, Kohli set new records for both the most double centuries and most runs scored by an Indian Test captain.
| T20I | MS Dhoni | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 60 | 68 |
| Won | 27 | 40 |
| Win % | 45 | 58 |
| Lost | 18 | 17 |
| Draw | 15 | 11 |
| W/L | 1.5 | 2.3 |
Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni Captaincy Record in IPL
- MS Dhoni’s captaincy tenure in IPL is from 2007 to 2022, where he led two teams CSK and RPSG. He won 118 games for CSK and five for Supergiants.
- Virat Kohli led RCB from 2011 to 2021 in IPL and won 64 games with a win-loss ratio of 0.
MS Dhoni won four IPL titles and Virat failed to win any.
| IPL | MS Dhoni | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 210 | 140 |
| Won | 123 | 64 |
| Win % | 58 | 46 |
| Lost | 86 | 69 |
| Draw | 1 | 7 |
| W/L | 1.53 | 0.92 |
