Gautam Gambhir makes a big claim on MS Dhoni ahead of the CHE vs KOL clash at the Anbuden

Ahead of the exciting thriller between Chennai and Kolkata in the Indian T20 League 2024, ex-Indian opener and present Kolkata mentor Gautam Gambhir recalled his fierce rivalry when the latter captained the Chennai side. 

The ex-Kolkata skipper expressed that he enjoyed match wits against Ms Dhoni and had to use his best tactics to overshadow the Kings during his time as the Knights’ captain. Appreciating the time then, he said that he enjoyed trying out constant skills and tactics against the former Indian team skipper.

Gambhir revamped Kolkata and led them to two Indian T20 League trophies in 2012 and 2014. Their first title came in Chepauk when they defeated Dhoni’s Chennai in the final match by successfully chasing 192 runs. Gambhir’s tactical power was always instrumental in Kolkata’s win during his regime and we can see a glimpse of that in the 2024 season as he made his return to the Knights army with the intent of raising them to glory again. 

“Despite our rivalry on the field, off the field, we are friends with a lot of mutual respect. When Dhoni and I face each other as captains of CSK and KKR, winning is the sole focus. I want to win for my team, and Dhoni undoubtedly feels the same given his competitive spirit that has made him the most successful captain India will ever have.” Gambhir expressed in a Sports show.

MS Dhoni received a lot of praise for his shining performance as the skipper of the Indian side after winning the 2011 World Cup. Dhoni’s finishing abilities can never be questioned after that tremendous finish in the marquee event. GG quoted an event that if Chennai needs 20 runs in the final over, the opposition remains sceptical about their win if the wicketkeeper batter is on the crease due to his refusal to give up and finish off the match in such difficult situations. 

“Even if Chennai needed 20 runs in an over, and MS Dhoni was batting, he could still finish off the game. I knew I had the bowling attack to challenge anyone in the Super Kings lineup. Tactically, I had to outmanoeuvre Dhoni at every turn because although he is not overtly aggressive on the field, he never gives up. Chennai is the kind of team that battles until the very last ball is bowled – you know you haven’t beaten them until the game is truly over.”

Gambhir and his boys landed in Chennai last week to start their preparations for the forthcoming match against the five-time champions. During training at the M. Chidambaram stadium, GG was seen discussing strategies with Kolkata’s head coach Chandrakant Pandit. 

Even though CHe will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad and KOL by Shreyas Iyer on Monday, the fans are eagerly waiting to see the tactical battle between the former skippers MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam while remembering the old days as how difficult it was to defeat MS Dhoni-led Kings, and even though this season things seem to be against the Yellow side, he would always warn his boys not to underestimate the power of Thala’s tactical setup from behind the stumps. 

If the Knights become successful in defeating Chennai on Monday, April 8, they will remain unbeaten in straight four matches and is well anticipated to return as the league toppers in the Indian T20 League 2024.