On Monday, two former World Cup winning teammates will come face-to-face when Chennai Super Kings host Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chepauk.
Kolkata's mentor Gautam Gambhir and CSK stalwart MS Dhoni have etched their name in history after their iconic 2011 World Cup victory.
Gambhir has often lamented about missing out on his 100 during the Final, he reportedly even blames Dhoni for not being able to achieve the milestone.
But ahead of the IPL game, Gambhir lauded Dhoni's 'tactical genius' and termed him 'India's most successful captain', during a conversation with broadcaster Star Sports.
'Obviously, MS is probably the most successful captain India will ever have. I don't think so anyone can ever reach that level, winning 3 ICC trophies,' Gambhir remarked.
'But yes, in the IPL, I enjoyed every bit of it because I knew MS had that tactical mindset,' the two-time IPL winning player said.
He then went on to praise the way Dhoni handles his bowlers and sets the field like a tactical genius and how his role as a finisher at number 6 or 7 meant 'till the time he is there, he can finish off the game.'
Gambhir added,' I knew that tactically I had to be better than him in every field because he may not be aggressive on the field but always knew that he was not going to give up.'
The KKR mentor knew the force his team is up against as he stated in conclusion that one doesn't defeat Chennai till you have actually made your final runs, 'With other teams, if you get closer to the target they end up giving runs, but not with MS.'