While MS Dhoni has shown all his critics their place after a magnificent one-day tour Down Under, former captain Sourav Ganguly praised Virat Kohli for persevering with the legendary cricketer.

Dhoni scored an unbeaten 87 off 114 balls to anchor India to a seven-wicket victory in the third ODI here to clinch the series 2-1. India won their maiden bilateral ODI series triumph in Australia.

Dhoni copped a lot of criticism from all quarters for his slow strike-rate at the start of the series, but has sounded back with three half-centuries in three matches to be adjudged Man of the Series.

Sourav Ganguly told a news channel: “Both players have played a lot of matches for India with Dhoni currently being the senior most member of the side. Most of all, what has been noted about the relationship is that Kohli has stood by his ex-captain’s side even when he has been under fire for the past year or so. He has time and again stressed that Dhoni is a big player and one of the strengths of his team.”

He added: “Very few captains back their players up to this extent. I admire Kohli for not abandoning Dhoni in the last 15-16 months. This is what makes a great team. No team can become great unless there is mutual respect and camaraderie between the big players.”