Don’t upset Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni because they like confrontation, states Dean Jones

no image

Dean Jones has stated that it makes no sense for the opposition to upset the likes of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni because they like the confrontation and use it to their own advantage. He also played down and rubbished that the Australian players did not sledge Kohli for an IPL contract.

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke earlier opined that the Australian players did not sledge the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli for an IPL contract. Tim Paine, however, later came out and revealed that it was a strategic decision not to sledge the Indian counter-part. Dean Jones too joined in on the conversation and stated that it makes no sense to upset Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni because they like confrontation. 

"I’ll tell you the reason why they went quiet on Virat. Because we went quiet when Viv Richards came out to bat. We went quiet on Javed Miandad, on Martin Crowe. And there is a reason behind that — You don’t upset the bear, you don’t upset Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni because this is what they like – a confrontation," he said on Sportscreen YouTube page. 

He further bashed Clarke’s comments by admitting that his statement about the IPL contract was a bit rubbish. Jones also put down the players’ selection in the IPL down to the coaches and management downplaying the comments. However, both Dhoni and Kohli have a different way of handling the confrontation. While Dhoni is more of the calm presence in the field, Kohli’s hot-headed nature makes him the player he is on the field. 

"Don’t give them any oxygen. But I find this reason about not upsetting Virat because of IPL contracts a bit rubbish. Is Virat going to stop anyone from playing? That is down to the coaches and managers," he added.

Comments

Leave a comment

0 Comments

read previousIPL Retentions Preview | Well-rounded Punjab Kings can afford wait-and-watch approach
Punjab Kings were one of the most balanced sides in IPL 2025, thanks to coach Ricky Ponting’s tactical nous during the mega auctions. They had an excellent season, albeit failing at the final hurdle, and will have minimal work in the upcoming auctions, with Glenn Maxwell looking down the hills.
Syed Mushtaq Ali before IPL could help players get into T20 rhythm, feels Kuldeep Yadavread next
Kuldeep Yadav is of the opinion that scheduling the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of the Indian Premier League could be a way to help the players get into the T20 groove. The fate of the thirteenth edition of the IPL, which was originally scheduled to start on March 29, hasn’t been decided upon yet.
View non-AMP page