IPL 2024: ‘MS Dhoni is a special person’ – KL Rahul recalls best moment with India legend ahead of LSG-CSK tie

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Captain KL Rahul recalls his best moment with India legend MS Dhoni ahead of the LSG vs CSK tie at Ekana Stadium on Friday (April 19). Rahul, who leads the newly inducted IPL franchise, shared kind words for Dhoni, saying the former CSK skipper holds a special place in his andeveryone'sheart worldwide.

Speaking to the broadcaster (Star Sports) in a recorded video ahead of the marquee clash, KL recalled getting all of his international caps (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) from MS Dhoni, who was the Indian captain (at that time), calling it as the special moment he shared with the veteran cricketer.

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"MS Dhoni is a special person fornot only me butthe whole country. The most special moment I shared with Dhoni was when I received caps for all the formats. I got all my Tests, one-day and T20 caps from him. He was thecaptain of the team, andjustto receive that from his hand will be (at) top in the special moments. Then comes playing cricket with him, the wins and the losses,” said Rahulonhis special moment with Dhoni.

UnderDhoni’scaptaincy, KL flourished across all formats, soon becomingIndia’sgo-to-batter in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

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KL'sexploits made him the star batter in the side early in his career, becoming the first-choice opener in white-ball formats for years to follow.

However, with time, KL emerged as a top batter in the middle order, with his performances in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup and even during the competition getting acknowledged.

Lucknow ready to host Chennai

Two top-performing teams this season, LSG and CSK, will be up against each other at the Ekana Stadium for the quest to remain in the top four. While CSK is third on the points table, with four wins in six contested matches, LSG slipped to the sixth spot, following their eight-wicket loss at the hands of KKR in their previous game.

For Chennai, the seam-bowling duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman is the one to look out for, while the home side,LSGwill bank on their settled batting order to deliver against Chennai.

Moreover, all eyeballs will be on Mayank Yadav, who might return to the playing XI for this marquee clash.