Cricket has always created superstars, but very few reach the level where life changes completely. Players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are no longer just cricketers, but global icons. Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni’s fame is so huge that even a simple outing becomes a challenge for them.
Former Indian captains cannot roam around any park or visit any restaurant without their security, and even at airports they bring their own security to drop them off. Living a normal life for Indian superstars is beyond their imagination.
Joe Root’s honest view on Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni fame
This public scrutiny forced Virat Kohli to temporarily move his base of operations to London to raise his children with a normal life without camera flashes. Now, modern-day England legend Joe Root has made an important and honest comment about the kind of stardom that Kohli and Dhoni have.
Also Read: MS Dhoni sidelined as Ravichandran Ashwin praises Dhruv Jurel calling on Dinesh Karthik
While many dream of such popularity, Root made it clear that this level of fame comes at a high price and is not something he personally wants in his life. Root shared that he started playing because he loved the game, just like any other kid.
Even today, he enjoys simple things like watching local matches or spending time in the countryside, which reminds him of his childhood days.
I don’t play cricket for fame: Joe Root
Joe Root said on the Wisden Cricket Podcast: “I don’t play cricket for fame. Sure, but it’s a consequence. And I think that’s the right word in my eyes. It’s not an add-on. I still love coming here and watching my mates play on a Saturday or seeing the kids running around and playing on the field, which is what I did as a kid. And that’s why I got into it and how I got into it.”
However, the former England Test player feels that Kohli and Dhoni’s lives are very different and much more difficult than his as wherever they go, there are tight security measures, huge crowds and constant attention from fans and media. Root feels lucky to still be able to enjoy a normal lifestyle.
Joe Root feels ‘lucky’ not to have life like MS Dhoni-Virat Kohli
He added: “I would never want it to be a case where I was no longer able to do that or they didn’t feel like they could do it either. So, I look at some of the superstars in India, and I don’t envy that at all, and I think their lifestyle must be really complicated and very difficult for them to navigate through that. So, in many ways, I feel very lucky. I went to play padel this morning and I went for a bike ride in the Peak District. And you think MS Dhoni or “Virat Kohli couldn’t.”
When the right-handed batsman was reminded how Dhoni still manages to ride his Ducati or his luxury car in Ranchi, he mentioned that it would not be a peaceful experience. And Root feels lucky to be able to spend time outdoors without being around people all the time.
The Englishman signed off saying: “Maybe, but there could be 25 others surrounding him. And, you know, he couldn’t do that in peace and serenity. And yes, I feel very lucky in that sense.”
Also Read: ‘Shivam Dube, you are baggage’: CSK legend brutally attacks all-rounder amid IPL 2026