Ajinkya Rahane believes 'aggressive captain' Virat Kohli has learnt his lessons from MS Dhoni

Rahane believes Kohli is more aggressive as compared to cool and calm Dhoni.

New Delhi: Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, both extremely successful captains for India, have very dissimilar style of leadership but there is one thing common between them – they absolutely love winning no matter what the conditions are.

The leadership styles of Dhoni and Kohli contradict but that hasn't affected the performance of players playing under them. In fact, players see themselves thriving after learning different aspects of the game from these two leaders.

Ahead of the India-England series, vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane reflected on the differences between the leadership styles of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

The Mumbaikar said the team is enjoying playing under Kohli, who was externally more aggressive than his predecessor Dhoni.

"Virat is pretty aggressive as captain; MS Dhoni is cool and calm. I feel Virat learnt a lot from MS Dhoni, and he's applying himself. He's looking to be calm under pressure. He's leading from the front for all of us.

"It's been very good to play under Virat's captaincy. He's completely a team man, his inputs, his words during our team meetings and strategy are completely different. We are enjoying playing under Virat's captaincy," he added.

About his own new role as the team's officially designated vice-captain in a home series, the 28-year-old batsman said the added responsibility will galvanise him to do better.

"I am really happy that BCCI gave me this responsibility. As a player you learn many things and as vice captain of a team the mind is always alert. I am learning new things as player and vice captain and I am happy BCCI and selectors have given me this opportunity. I think it will bring out the best in me," he added.

India start their 5-match Test series against England on November 5 in Rajkot and Rahane has revealed how exactly the hosts are going to approach the series.

"We want to dominate the series. We have been playing some very good cricket over the last one and a half years. It's important for us to be consistent. Yes our aim will be to dominate all their bowlers and the more we do it the better. It's (also) important to start well in Rajkot and continue the momentum."

(With PTI inputs)