'MS Dhoni most successful captain India will ever see': Gautam Gambhir ahead of CSK vs KKR IPL 2024 Match

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MS Dhoni has received high praises for Gautam Gambhir ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL 2024 match 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, April 8.

Gambhir, who is KKR's mentor in the IPL 2024, recalled his playing days and his battles against Dhoni. Gambhir led Kolkata to title wins in 2012 and 2014. They defeated CSK in the IPL 2012 final. Gambhir said winning was the only thing in mind when he used to lead KKR against Dhoni's CSK.

The former India opener scored 97 in the 2011 World Cup final which India won under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Gambhir said there will be no captain like Dhoni in India.

"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.

Dhoni not aggressive but would not give up: Gambhir

Further, Gautam Gambhir praised MS Dhoni for his tactical greatness and ability to set the perfect field, saying that the 42-year-old isn't aggressive on field but never gives up.

"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.

"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," Gambhir said.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are currently unbeaten in the IPL 2024. They are placed second in the 10-team points table after winning each of their first three games. CSK are fourth after winnings and losing two matches each.