New Delhi, India

Ahead of match 22 in IPL 2024, where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday (April 8) in Chennai, Gautam Gambhir -- former KKR skipper and their current mentor -- recalled his IPL rivalry with MS Dhoni. Gambhir heaped praise on the former CSK and Indian captain Dhoni. He went onto add that during his KKR captaincy days, he had to be at his tactical best to overcome Dhoni when the latter was leading the Super Kings. It is to be noted that Gambhir-led KKR won their maiden IPL title in 2012, beating CSK by five wickets in Chennai. 

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Talking on Star Sports, Gambhir stated that both Dhoni and he have been very competitive and always wanted to win. He 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."

"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."

Also read: IPL 2024: 'Let MS Dhoni remain a finisher' - Clarke not in favour of former CSK captain batting up the order

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The former Indian opener added, "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."

Both Dhoni and Gambhir have been regarded as one of the finest IPL captains. The two have shared a great rivalry during their respective captaincy days. On Monday evening, CSK will host KKR in match 22 of the ongoing edition with Dhoni representing the defending champions as a keeper-batter; having handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad whereas Gambhir will don the mentor's hat as Kolkata will look to remain unbeaten with four successive wins.