IPL 2019: Virat Kohli has talked up the importance of MS Dhoni in India's World Cup campaign in England and Wales (AP Photo)

Virat Kohli said there was a lot of trust and respect between him and MS Dhoni and he was one person who understands the game from ball 1 to 300 on the field. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Virat Kohli said he was fortunate to have Dhoni behind the stumps and added it was unfortunate to see so many people criticise him.

In 2018, MS Dhoni had a sensational IPL season. He batted like the Dhoni of old and led Chennai Super Kings to their 3rd IPL title in their comeback year. During a poor run of form in 2017, several critics had lashed out at MS Dhoni and his strike rate before Virat Kohli defended his former captain.

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have plenty of mutual respect. When Dhoni stepped down as India's limited overs skipper and Virat Kohli took over, he said Dhoni would forever be his captain. On the field, Kohli lets Dhoni guide the two spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Both wrist spinners hang on to every word Dhoni says on the field.

Speaking exclusively to Boria Majumdar, Consulting Sports Editor, India Today Group, Kohli revealed why he had such respect for MS Dhoni.

"He (MS Dhoni) is one person who knows the game inside out, who understands the game from ball 1 to ball 300 on the field," Virat Kohli told India Today. "I won't say it is a luxury to have him but I am fortunate to have a mind like that from behind the stumps. At the end of the day, I want to be involved in strategy with the team management with Mahi bhai and Rohit (Sharma).

"In the death overs, I know that I know I have to be in the outfield to try and make something work for the team because that's my nature that I want to do something for the team rather than just be there.

"After 30-35 overs, he knows that I will be in the outfield and its on auto mode. Its just about the field placements and bowling changes and we say you know the angles, you know the pace of the pitch and that's why there is so much trust and respect between the two of us. It's unfortunate to see so many people going after him," Virat Kohli told India Today.

For me, loyalty matters the most: Kohli

Virat Kohli debuted for India under MS Dhoni. As a young cricketer, he was nowhere near the complete package he is today and Kohli said he could never forget how MS Dhoni persisted with him and let him bat at the crucial No.3 spot.

"For me, loyalty matters the most. When I walked into the team he had the option of trying someone else after a few games," Kohli said.

"Although I grabbed my chances, for me to get that kind of backing, it was very crucial for me. Also, he gave me an opportunity to bat at No.3 because not many youngsters get to play at No.3."

MS Dhoni had seen something special in Virat Kohli. Today, he has 10843 runs including 41 hundreds and 49 fifties in 227 ODIs and will lead

India in the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England.

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