Mahendra Singh Dhoni Takes a Jibe at Virat Kohli, Says Aggression Different From Misbehaviour

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, in an apparent jibe at Test captain Virat Kohli's brand of aggression, said "exchanging words or physical contact" was not his idea of aggression and it was imperative for his team to play within the rules ahead of the T20I match against South Africa. (MS Dhoni returns at the helm as India get ready for South Africa in first T20I)

Test captain Kohli has been a big advocator of his brand of aggressive cricket while his premier fast bowler Ishant Sharma copped a one-Test suspension after his run-ins with the Sri Lankan batsmen during the final Test match in Colombo.

Dhoni said that he is not averse to playing aggressive cricket but believed in staying within the rules.

"Aggression does not mean exchanging words or physical contact. Rahul Dravid had said a good forward defence to a very quick fast bowler is an aggressive play, so that is something very important. Our guys are also learning how to channelise aggression," Dhoni said, in what appeared to be a subtle message for Kohli and Ishant during the pre-match conference here on Thursday.

Dhoni also took a dig at Ishant without naming the bowler when he spoke about staying within the disciplinary limits.

"It's good to be aggressive but at the same time we have to follow the guidelines and make sure that all are available and there is no disciplinary action on anyone. We want to play aggressive but within the guidelines," the skipper said.

It must be recalled that when Kohli, during the post series press conference, was asked about Ishant's boorish behaviour, he had said that he doesn't mind as long as he is getting the results for the team.

However, Dhoni has always been one for playing within the rules.

He had openly criticised the now tainted cricketer S Sreesanth when the Kerala speedster used to indulge in mindless sledging with the opposition which resulted in losing his focus on the primary job of getting the batsman out.