In a heartfelt tribute, Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir hailed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, MS Dhoni, as the most successful captain India will ever have. This accolade comes ahead of their anticipated clash in IPL 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.
Gambhir and Dhoni, both renowned for their leadership skills, have had numerous encounters on the cricket field, especially in the IPL, where their strategic battles were a highlight of the early editions. Even though Gambhir now dons the mentor’s role for KKR, and Dhoni continues to lead CSK, their mutual respect and competitive spirit remain unchanged.
In a video shared by Star Sports on social media, Gambhir expressed his admiration for Dhoni’s leadership qualities.
Gautam Gambhir said
“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 acknowledged.
Reflecting on their encounters, Gambhir highlighted Dhoni’s tactical brilliance, which made their matches in the IPL so intriguing.
“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. I knew that tactically had to be better than him on every front because he is not that aggressive on the field, but I 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 reminisced.
Gambhir and Dhoni were key figures in India’s cricketing history, playing pivotal roles in two of India’s three ICC title wins in the 21st century. Gambhir’s crucial innings in the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan in 2007 and his partnership with Dhoni in the 2011 World Cup final are etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide.
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