Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has lavished praise on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) former skipper MS Dhoni and ex-Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma as the premier performers of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The mouth-watering clash between CSK and MI is taking place at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 14.
While speaking on Jio Cinema, Zaheer said that two stalwarts Rohit and Dhoni have carved their franchises, which have left an indelible mark on the league itself. While acknowledging Virat Kohli's accomplishments with the Indian team, Zaheer stressed that Dhoni and Rohit's influence on franchise cricket remains unparalleled.
"Virat Kohli obviously has a lot of achievements with the Indian team, but when it comes to the IPL, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are the standout names. They have given enough to their fans, to their supporters, there is a lot of joy, a lot of moments, which they can cherish for the rest of their lives," Zaheer said on Jio Cinema.
IT'S IPL'S EL CLASICO TIME!
Zaheer went on to say that this will be the first time when Rohit and Dhoni will enter the field as players not captains during MI vs CSK clash. The El Clasico will witness Ruturaj Gaikwad captain CSK and Hardik Pandya for MI as skipper.
Zaheer praised Dhoni and Rohit for their tactical astuteness, which has been instrumental in guiding both teams to five IPL titles each. He underlined the substantial fanbases they've cultivated and consistently delighted with their commanding performances.
"These 2, when you look at how they have gone about their business on the field, they are the most tactical brains when it comes to franchise cricket, IPL. That says it all, that's the whole fanbase, that's the whole expectation which they have built over the years, never built over the years. So you will always find support always whenever they come onto the field," Zaheer added.
MI vs CSK head-to-head in IPL
Despite Mumbai Indians holding an edge in the head-to-head clashes. They have played 36 matches with each other. In which 20 games have been won by MI and 16 by CSK. He also pointed out that it could be Dhoni's last dance at the Wankhede Stadium and would look to make the most of it.
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