World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur recently revealed her favourite cricketer between two Indian greats, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Her choice of Dhoni over Kohli drew loud cheers from the audience.
Kaur expressed deep admiration for Dhoni’s calm leadership and his extraordinary legacy in Indian cricket during an event at Velammal Nexus School. She highlighted that Dhoni remains one of the few captains in history to have won all major ICC trophies, cementing his status as a legend of the game.
Explaining her preference, she pointed to Dhoni’s composed approach, exceptional decision-making under pressure, and the sense of assurance he brought to the team. She noted that these qualities have set a benchmark for leadership in Indian cricket.
Dhoni’s influence on Indian cricket transcends numbers, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Kaur highlighted how his success on the world stage, including the 2011 ICC World Cup and multiple other ICC titles, has served as a guiding light for players across genders. She noted that Dhoni’s impact extends far beyond his achievements, reflected in the deep respect he commands among current cricketers who continue to build on the foundations he established.
At the same time, she praised Kohli for his unmatched energy and passion on the field. Kaur acknowledged that while Kohli’s aggressive and intense style has inspired a generation of cricketers, Dhoni’s calm and calculated demeanour had a stronger influence on her personally. The contrast, she noted, reflects two equally effective but distinctly different leadership philosophies.
The India women’s captain also reflected on her own cricketing journey, having recently led the team to their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025. She credited several senior players for shaping her career, naming former India opener Virender Sehwag as one of her biggest inspirations. Addressing the students, Kaur emphasised the importance of hard work, discipline, and consistency. She encouraged young cricketers, especially aspiring girls, to pursue their dreams with dedication and belief, reiterating that opportunities today are greater than ever before.
“It is good to see that now people only talk about cricket without comparing (men’s and women’s cricket). Now everyone enjoys and the viewership is high, stadiums are full, it is a proud moment,” said Kaur in the event.
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