WATCH | 'To Hate MS Dhoni, You Need To Be...': Hardik Pandya Ahead Of CSK vs GT IPL 2023 Qualifier 1

The values which MS Dhoni inculcated in the Indian cricket team helped them attain historic feats, reach greater heights in international cricket

Talismanic Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably the greatest wicket-keeper batter in the history of cricket. But that's not the only reason why fans and players love and admire him immensely. It is Dhoni's personality that leaves one and all mesmerized. The values which MS Dhoni inculcated in the Indian cricket team helped them attain historic feats, reach greater heights in international cricket. No matter which player you ask, they can't stop praising MS Dhoni enough not just because of his on-field achievements but because he is a great human being. The way Dhoni conducted himself as a player and while leading India is a lesson for every active and aspiring cricketer.

MS Dhoni, who most likely is playing his last IPL season as a player, will lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans (GT) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 Qualifier 1 on Tuesday (May 23) at Chepauk. Ahead of the high-octane thriller, Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya said that one needs to be a "proper devil" to harbour grudges against MS Dhoni.

"I'll always be a Mahendra Singh Dhoni fan and for so many fans out there and so many cricket lovers. You need to be a proper devil to hate Mahendra Singh Dhoni," said Pandya in a video posted by Gujarat Titans on social media.

Pandya said he learned a lot for MS Dhoni simply by watching him in action.

"A lot of people think Mahi is serious and all that. For me, I crack jokes and I don't see him as a Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"Obviously, I've learnt a lot of things from him, a lot of positive things, which I've learnt from him just while watching, not even much talking," said Pandya, who would be aiming to retain the IPL title the team won last year by defeating Rajasthan Royals.

Pandya aalso said that for him Dhoni is like a brother.

"For me, he's just my dear friend, dear brother, who I do pranks, who I chill." Gujarat Titans also posted a message terming Dhoni a "Captain. Leader. Legend.@msdhoni is an emotion."