MS Dhoni's Utmost Respect For The Indian Flag Proves Why He Overshadows Kohli In Popularity

Barring Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably the most popular and definitely the most scrutinised cricketer in India. Whether you're a Dhoni fan or not, such has been this cricketer's popularity that almost everyone knows his story. And, he has done so coming from the cricketing backwaters - the mining state of Jharkhand, and through a home-made batting and wicketkeeping technique, and a style of captaincy that scales the highs and lows of both conservatism and unorthodoxy. Today, his batting abilities allow India to accelerate in crucial situations, his splendid glovework cuts a sorry figure for the batsman and his leadership skills has allowed him to carry out the chores of a captain, even when Virat Kohli is the official man in-charge. BCCL While his godly exploits and calm demeanor on the cricket field continues to earn him plaudits, his fans are often left wondering as to why Dhoni, unike Kohli or the great Tendulkar, doesn't sport the Indian flag on his helmet. Though it doesn't really matters if he dons the tri-colour on his helmet or not, the actual reason why he doesn't, will undoubtedly win your heart. For a wicket-keeper like Dhoni, the job behind the stumps comes with a certain challenges. One of them is to consistently change their position between the bowling spells of spinners and seamers. Similarly, Dhoni is seen swapping his hat for the helmet when a spinner is in operation. BCCL Now, amid the restrictions of slow-over rate, it's pretty understandable that Dhoni can't ask someone from dug-out to bring him the helmet every now and then. Thus, in accordance to the rules, he is often seen placing his helmet right behind him on the ground. The National flag is a symbol of great honor and respect, and as per the law, it can't be placed on ground. Hence, either you don't put the helmet with the flag on ground or don't put the tri-colour on the helmet at all - something that Dhoni follows religiously. More importantly, since the Indian Territorial Army also conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Dhoni back in 2011, the former Indian captain is furthermore careful in his approach towards the National flag. BCCL Sports mirror society and just like any other aspect of culture, it can act as a mechanism for both political and societal change. It does not exist in a vacuum and just functioning in isolation from what is happening around the world is definitely not how it's supposed to be. Similarly, sportspersons are influential public figures who are likely to make an impression on the country's youth. Their stand on issues and actions - both in personal and professional lives - can undoubtedly influence the minds of their fans. And, this is exactly where Dhoni seems to be winning hearts when compared with Virat Kohli who is often slammed for his over-the-top theatrics.