Gautam Gambhir placed on equal footing with MS Dhoni after leading KKR to IPL 2024 final

Former India batter and commentator Robin Uthappa compared the leadership styles of Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni, saying both are experts in backing their players and bring the best of their players on the field after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) qualified for the IPL 2024 Final.

Uthappa further credited Gambhir for KKR’s remarkable performance in the ongoing IPL 2024, highlighting the mentor's influence on the resurgent performances of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell this season.

Robin Uthappa hails Gautam Gambhir's influence in KKR's success in IPL 2024

On May 21, KKR crushed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to qualify for the IPL 2024 final. They will face either SRH or the winner of the eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the final on May 26.

The former Indian batter has the experience of MS Dhoni and Gambhir’s leadership qualities, having played under both captains in the IPL. Uthappa was part of the title-winning KKR team under Gambhir in 2014 and also contributed to Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) title win under Dhoni in IPL 2021. Uthappa experienced a career revival under Dhoni's captaincy at CSK.

Highlighting the similarities between the two Indian leaders, Uthappa admitted that Dhoni and Gambhir have very different personalities, and they excel at instilling confidence and backing their players. The former Indian batter also noted that this quality has been instrumental in their success as captains.

He also opened up about how Gambhir's leadership has helped key players like Narine and Russell regain their form and contribute to KKR’s journey to the IPL 2024 final. Now, KKR is just one step away from clinching their third IPL trophy.

MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir are very similar leaders: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa was quoted as saying by Jio Cinema: “I have always maintained that MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir are very similar leaders, they might seem opposites as characters, but they are very similar as leaders. Just a conversation (to liberate Sunil Narine and Andre Russell). He understands very well what it takes to perform really well.

They are match winners. And they have the sense of freedom to express themselves and also role clarity. Once it was offered to them and they knew they had the backing of someone like Gautam Gambhir, you could be free and not worry about their security within the group. He makes it very clear.”

Notably, Dhoni stepped down as CSK skipper before the start of this season, and Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the new captain. However, the defending champions, CSK, had a mixed season under their new skipper, Gaikwad, failing to qualify for the IPL 2024 Playoffs. CSK lost their final league game against the RCB by 27 runs in Bengaluru.

On the other hand, KKR appointed Gambhir as their mentor last year, in November. His return to KKR turned out to be a game-changer for the franchise, as they qualified for the IPL playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season. They are now looking for their third title in the final in Chennai.