What if Virat Kohli and not Dhoni had pushed Bangladesh bowler?

Captain Cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni seems to be losing it. Known over the years for his exemplary leadership and respected for the way he plays the game in the right spirit, the last few months has shown a different side to Dhoni. And when he elbowed a debutant in Mirpur on Thursday, it showed a man known for his cool composure, in a very poor light.

Batting in the middle with Suresh Raina for company, Dhoni was clearly seen elbowing debutant Mustafizur Rahman when going for a single. To collide with the bowler while looking at the ball, and running between the wickets, is a different thing and very common. But for a man who has played over a decade of international cricket, to actually implement such cheap tricks to break the concentration of a newcomer is completely uncalled for. What made matters worse is that he then coyly raised his hand to show that it was an accident. Poor Rahman just smiled and walked off.

While the match referee Andy Pycroft fined Dhoni 75 per cent of his match fee, the five wickets Rahman picked up to help Bangladesh defeat India was poetic justice.

Strangely enough, the commentators were seen laughing off the episode. It was almost evident that they didn't want to tinker with the image of one of the richest board's ODI skipper. Also, Dhoni's reputation of being a man with a cool demeanour worked in his favour. It would have been really interesting to see the same commentators' reactions if the act had been committed by Test skipper Virat Kohli. Battle swords would have definitely been drawn and comparisons made between him and others who don't really wear their hearts on their sleeves.

While it is not a question of trying to justify Kohli's over-aggressive nature, ignoring Dhoni's act and laughing it off just because the opposition is Bangladesh, isn't the right attitude either. Dhoni's post-match interaction with the media once again brought to the fore his brazen attitude as he felt that his act didn't warrant an apology and it was all a part of the game.

"The bowler (Mustafizur) thought I would move away while I thought he would. But as none of us did, we collided. I think this can happen in any match. It's nothing big. I spoke to him later," he said.

Dhoni definitely needs to pull his socks up - if he does not want to leave a bad taste in the mouths of his fans - as he walks into the last leg of his international career.