KKR vs SRH: Gautam Gambhir says this on rivalry between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir opened up about the rivalry between the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gautam Gambhir said that both teams have similar approaches to the game, which makes their contests exciting and hard-fought.

The Kolkata Knight Riders and the Chennai Super Kings have played 31 matches against each other in the cash league since 2008. The Chennai-based team has secured victory in 19 matches, while the Kolkata-based franchise has won 11 matches, with one match ending in no result.

It's Not Only The Magnitude Of The Game - Gautam Gambhir

During the conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gautam Gambhir highlighted the similarity in approach between CSK and KKR when they face off in the IPL. Gambhir emphasized that their similar approach makes the contests hard-fought and thrilling.

"It's not only the magnitude of the contest. When two good teams play against each other, it's going to be an exciting and hard-fought game. I always felt that CSK and KKR were very, very similar in the way they approached the game," Gambhir said on Ashwin's YouTube channel.

Our Strategies Were Very Similar To Each Other - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir highlighted the similarity in strategies between CSK and KKR. The former Indian opener noted that both teams relied on three spinners, whether playing at Chepauk or Eden Gardens. Gambhir stated that KKR had to perform at their tactical best to overcome CSK.

"The way MS Dhoni used the spinners and we had three quality spinners as well. CSK had three quality spinners and probably the conditions, whether it was in Chepauk or in Eden at that time, were very similar. Cheepauk had bigger dimensions as compared to what Eden as a ground is.

Our strategies were very similar to each other. That is the reason KKR had to be at our best from the tactical point of view to be able to beat CSK. That's the reason why I always felt that CSK and KKR during those times were very very similar teams," Gambhir added.

The 42-year-old rejoined the Knight Riders as a mentor in November last year after fulfilling a similar role with the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2021 and 2022. Gambhir played for the Delhi Capitals and KKR in his IPL career. He guided the Knight Riders to two titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain.

The Kolkata-based team secured the top spot in the table after the conclusion of the league stage. The Shreyas Iyer-led team secured 20 points with nine victories. KKR qualified for the playoffs after missing out in the last two seasons. Shreyas Iyer successfully led the team throughout the season.

Kolkata Knight Riders are set to compete against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 21. This match will determine which team advances to the final. The loser will face the winner of the Eliminator match in Qualifier 2.

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