Asia Cup: MS Dhoni lauds ´mature´ Virat Kohli

MS Dhoni hailed a “mature” Virat Kohli for helping India to the Asia Cup final with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Mirpur.

Kohli’s 59 not out propelled India to their target of 139 and into their ninth Asia Cup final, which takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

The India batsman was fined 30 per cent of his match fee for showing dissent towards umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge following his dismissal on 49 against Pakistan last time out, but he responded brilliantly.

Captain Dhoni believes Kohli is showing great maturity out on the field and praised his desire to always give his best for the team.

“Right from the start he was always somebody who wanted to contribute more,” he said. “Even if he would get out on 80, he was somebody who was looking to get that hundred.

“If the team won he was happy with it, but he still wanted to get those hundreds.

“He knew the importance of converting those 70s into hundreds. It’s not only good for the individual but also very good for the team. He always wanted to put that emphasis on his game.

“He has turned into someone who reads the game well – who to target, when to target, what your strength is.

“All of us have our own strength but it’s important to back that, but, at the same time, not to venture into areas outside of that.

“He’s looking like a much more mature cricketer, but he’s backing that with the kind of skill he has. He puts a lot of effort in training and he’s very fit.”