6 key members who helped Virat Kohli achieve the pinnacle

Captain Cool - MS Dhoni

The man who transformed Kohli

MS Dhoni has played a massive role in transforming youngsters at the highest arena. When Kohli was selected in the side, Dhoni first gave him an opportunity against Sri Lanka in 2008 and Kohli scored 174 runs in 5 games. Once Dhoni spotted Kohli's talent and his fielding abilities, he made him a regular member of the Indian team and gave him opportunities to bat at number 3.

When Kohli established himself as a dependable batsman, Dhoni looking at the future drafted Kohli in the Test side against West Indies in 2011. Kohli had a poor start and experts labeled him as an ODI specialist. This did not deter Dhoni, who gave him opportunities in Australia in the dreaded 2011-12 tour and Kohli emerged as the highest run-getter with 300 runs. Dhoni supported Kohli after a horror show in England in 2014 and termed it as an aberration.

Dhoni made Kohli his vice-captain in 2012 and eventually handed him the full-time captaincy in 2014-15. Kohli now captains India in all the three formats. However, Kohli shares a special friendship with Dhoni and the duo have publicly acknowledged it many times. Kohli has gone on record to tell that, he owes his career to Dhoni and the influence he has had on him.

Kohli has been vocal for his support to Dhoni and takes on the media every single time if there is a question on Dhoni's retirement or form.