Even though both share common leadership traits and have tactical heads over their shoulders, Rohit's MI had outdone Dhoni's CSK in three IPL finals.
Harbhajan Singh, the former multi-time IPL winner and among the handful of players who represented both franchises, revealed why Mumbai Indians were better than Dhoni's CSK in crunch situations.
Though CSK's maiden title came in 2010 when they beat the home side (Mumbai Indians), the Mumbai-based outfit beat CSK in three IPL finals since (2013, 2015 and 2019), with Rohit leading against Dhoni on all occasions.
So, what did they do better to go one step ahead of the genius of MS Dhoni? Harbhajan Singh explains.
"The tricks Dhoni used to come up with, we worked to find a solution," Harbhajan said in a chat with Sports Yaari. "In pressure situations, MI did better than CSK. When I left MI to join CSK, I got a lot of love. Bowled well and won a championship, got a runners-up medal as well."
"In that match (IPL 2018), Dwayne Bravo's magical batting and Kedar Jadhav's show earned CSK the title. Else, MI would've won again. To overcome Dhoni, you have to think better, play your cards better. It isn't easy. MI have done it as they had better players, and the planning was also good," Harbhajan noted while recalling the close group stage encounter between both teams in IPL 2018.
Rohit is no less than Dhoni
MS Dhoni is by far the only captain in cricket history to win three ICC titles, besides winning the Test mace in 2009. Since he left, first Virat Kohli and now Rohit Sharma have carried forward the legacy; Harbhajan feels like every captain Rohit tasted his share of success and no less than anyone regarding helping strengthen India's stance on the world stage.
"Why do you compare the two? Dhoni led the team and took it forward; Rohit is also doing the same. Every cup you win, you put hope in others. That is important. The better captain is the one who inspires you to win. If we talk about achievements, Rohit is not lesser than Dhoni. Dada, Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit, everyone has contributed in their own way to take the team forward. Now, the fight is within to take the team even a step further," the former India spinner added.