ICC reminisces MS Dhoni's sweet gesture for Virat Kohli in 2014

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Wednesday, reminisced MS Dhoni's sweet gesture for current Indian skipper Virat Kohli during India's semi-final match at the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Kohli's career under Dhoni's captaincy flourished between 2008 and 2017. Dhoni, who handed Kohli his debut across formats, backed the Delhi batsman during his lows. In return, Kohli justified the faith his skipper showed in him with many memorable performances in the Indian colours. The two share a great amount of mutual respect and affection for each other, which was always seen in the field.

The international cricket body revisited Dhoni's gesture for Kohli during India's semi-final clash with South Africa at the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

"When MS Dhoni let Virat Kohli lay the finishing touch. Revisit the sweet gesture by captain Dhoni from the 2014 T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa," ICC captioned the video.

The second semi-final of the 2014 T20 World Cup was played between India and South Africa in Dhaka. After opting to bat, the Proteas posted 172 for 4 in 20 overs. During the chase, India suffered an early blow when Rohit Sharma got out in the fourth over, leaving India at 39 for 1. Kohli came in to bat and built a 38-run stand with Ajinkya Rahane before the latter got out in the 10th over. With the scores level on the final ball of the penultimate over, South Africa's Beuran Hendricks bowled a slower short delivery to Dhoni, who chose to offer a defensive shot.

Reacting to that, a confused Kohli gestured to his smiling skipper on the other end. Dhoni wanted Kohli to hit the winning runs, who eventually smashed Dale Steyn for a four to seal a six-wicket victory of India with five balls to spare. Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his unbeaten knock of 72 off 44 balls, which included two sixes and five fours.

After being unbeaten in all the group matches, Dhoni-led India ended up losing the final to Sri Lanka. On being asked to bat, India managed only 130 for 4 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka chased the target successfully with six wickets and 13 deliveries to spare.