Former India opener and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir, recalled his rivalry with MS Dhoni, claiming that he had to be at his tactical best to overcome Dhoni when the latter was leading the Super Kings as well. Speaking ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2024 match between CSK and KKR in Chennai, Gambhir said that he enjoyed his rivalry with Dhoni and the Super Kings during his days as the captain of the KKR as well.

However, Gautam Gambhir led the KKR to two IPL title triumphs where their first title win came in Chennai by beating CSK in the final, successfully chasing 192 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as well.

“I wanted to win. I am very clear in my mind” – Gautam Gambhir

“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 told Star Sports.

However, Gautam Gambhir arrived in Chennai last week and has been preparing for the mega clash. Meanwhile, Gambhir fondly recalled how tough it was to beat the CSK and how he always told his team not to take them lightly even when the odds favoured the KKR.

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He also heaped praise on MS Dhoni’s ability to never give up, adding that the opposition teams were wary of Dhoni’s finishing skills even when CSK needed 20-odd runs off the last over as well.

Gautam Gambhir’s KKR will take on CSK

“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,” he shared.

“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,” Gautam Gambhir concluded.