Former player Mohammad Kaif heaped praise on Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni for forging an outstading record in home Tests. With India suffering their second home series sweep in a year, Kaif said that Kohli, who is the nation's most successful red-ball captain, was one step ahead of his predecessor in the format.Kohli, who captained India in 68 Tests from 2014 to 2022, won 40 matches and never lost a home series. The 37-year-old also became the first Indian skipper to register a series win in Australia.Speaking in a video posted on X, Kaif felt Kohli's aggression and relentless backing of the pace bowlers stood out during his tenure. With South Africa beating India 2-0 at home recently, the 44-year-old recalled how easily the Asian Giants defeated the Proteas during Kohli's tenure, elaborating:"Virat Kohli went one step ahead than MS Dhoni. When India was in trouble, his aggression stood out and told the players to play to take 20 wickets, else don’t come to the ground. That was his message to the players. Under Kohli. India lost only two Tests in seven years in 31 matches. His motto was also to keep the core and backed the pace bowlers fully. He backed the pacers fully overseas but even at home he utilized Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. He made plans according to the opposition.""For instance, if there’s Afghanistan, then pace bowlers will be used. South Africa had toured before when Kohli was captain. India didn’t even give them an inch and they lost so badly. When conditions favoured spin, he exploited it well by using the spinners. That was Kohli’s speciality – backing the spinners and pacers according to the conditions. That’s why both players made excellent captains," he added.The Delhi-born cricketer was also outstanding with the bat during his captaincy tenure, averaging 54.80 in 113 innings, compiling 5864 runs. The veteran's best of 254* against South Africa also came when he was the skipper."Dhoni created an environment where he backed players and felt comfortable" - Mohammad KaifMohammad Kaif. (Image Credits: Mohammad Kaif X)Reflecting on Dhoni's home record as Test captain, Kaif said the legendary keeper-batter's ability to read the conditions and make players feel home was the standout feature of the era. In the same video, Kaif said:"Why did MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli become so successful as captains? Dhoni created an environment where he backed players and felt comfortable. Also pitch reading. They used to play on spinning tracks but he had such a deep knowledge of the conditions and picked the team according to that. He utilized Ravindra Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha and Ravichandran Ashwin – they all took wickets. He also had a presence, when he came for toss or led the side, even that had a positive effect. Players felt at home under Dhoni that almost everyone performed well. That’s why Dhoni lost only three Tests at home in six years as captain."Kohli retired from Tests and T20Is in 2025 and 2024, respectively, and is active only in ODIs.