As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for a showdown against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, fans will have their eyes on the MS Dhoni vs Gautam Gambhir showdown. Over the years, the two cricketing stalwarts have done wonders for their respective teams in the IPL. But, on Monday, Gambhir and Dhoni clash in different roles. While Dhoni is still one of the pillars for CSK as a player, Gambhir will be mentoring KKR, a team he once led to two IPL titles.
Ahead of the big IPL showdown, Star Sports shared a video featuring Gambhir where he could be seen speaking highly of Dhoni, calling him the most successful captain India have ever had.
“I wanted to win. I am very clear in my mind. Friends, mutual respect, everything will remain. But when you are in the middle, I am captaining KKR and he is captaining CSK. If you ask him, he will probably give you the same answer. It’s about winning. Obviously, MS is the most successful captain India will ever have. I don’t think anyone can reach that level – winning 3 ICC trophies,” Gambhir said Star Sports.
When it comes to his battles against Dhoni in the IPL, Gambhir said he has enjoyed coming up against the CSK superstar because of his ‘tactical mindset’.
“But, yes, in the IPL, enjoyed every bit of it because I knew MS had that tactical mindset. He is very good tactically. Knew how to control the spinners, how to set the fields against them and would never give up as well. He batted at No. 6 or 7, and we knew that till he was there, he could finish off the game.
Gambhir also hailed the ‘finisher’ Dhoni is, prompting him to come up with better plans to undo franchises like CSK.
“Even if they needed 20 runs in an over, and MS was in the middle, he could finish off that game. At the same time, I knew I had the bowling attack to challenge anyone in the Super Kings. Knew that tactically had to be better than him in every front because he is not that aggressive on the field, but knew he would not give up. Chennai is that kind of a team, against whom you know you are not winning until the last ball was bowled,” Gambhir said.