MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are two of the most popular Indian cricketers of the modern era. While one is famous as Captain Cool, the other is known for his aggression on the field. Both the players have achieved much success as the captain of the Indian cricket team. They are also the captains of their respective IPL teams, namely the Chennai Super Kings (MS Dhoni) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (Virat Kohli).
Since the two players have been so successful in the IPL, their numbers are much better than a majority of the players. Here’s a look at the five lesser-known coincidences between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli’s IPL careers.
1.Highest aggregate against each other’s IPL teams
The rivalry between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Chennai Super Kings is one of the most high-profile ones in the Indian Premier League history. The CSK franchise has always made it to the Top 4, whereas the RCB team is yet to win its first IPL title.
Talking about the coincidence involved here, MS Dhoni has aggregated the most runs (804) by any batsman against RCB. On the other side, Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs against CSK (837) in IPL history.
2.Struggles against the Rajasthan Royals
Among the active IPL teams, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have the lowest aggregate against the Rajasthan Royals. Both the stars have done much better against the other franchises, but against RR, their numbers dip a bit.
Dhoni has scored 449 runs in 22 matches versus the Royals, while Kohli has scored 439 runs in 21 games. It is noteworthy that Virat has an average of only 25.82 against the inaugural IPL champions. On the other side, Dhoni’s strike rate is lesser than his career strike rate.
3.Four half-centuries against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL
While the duo of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have not been at their best when playing against the Rajasthan Royals, their numbers improve by leaps and bounds against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both batsmen have four fifties against the Orange Army.
Talking about their numbers in detail, Dhoni has scored 463 runs in 17 matches against SRH at an average of 57.88, while Kohli has aggregated 518 runs in 14 games at a magnificent strike rate of 141.14.
4.Three Man of the Match awards in IPL 2013
MS Dhoni has been a match-winner for the Chennai Super Kings, and it is evident from the fact that he has won 4 Man of the Match awards more than Kohli. Dhoni has 17, whereas Kohli has 13.
Both the players were in terrific touch during the 2013 season as they picked up three Player of the Match awards each during the season. It is interesting to note that Dhoni won his first Man of the Match award versus RCB in 2008.
5.Three stumped outs in IPL
Another startling coincidence between the two big names of the Indian Premier League is that they lost their wicket stumped out thrice in their respective careers.
Kuldeep Yadav, Rahul Sharma, and Pragyan Ojha are the bowlers who have got Dhoni out in this fashion, while Ravindra Jadeja, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Andrew Symonds have dismissed Kohli in this fashion.
