MS Dhoni is a rival: Rishabh Pant makes BIG statement during DC vs CSK IPL 2021 clash

DC skipper Rishabh Pant termed MS Dhoni a 'rival' ahead of the CSK clash in IPL 2021 on Monday. Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings both sit comfortably in the top two and, thanks to their considerable margin over RCB in terms of NRR, the winner of this match will pretty much be guaranteed two shots at making it to the final of the tournament.

Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) MS Dhoni in their Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday (October 4).

Speaking during the toss, Rishabh Pant said: "We will bowl first. The wicket might do a bit early, so better bowling first. We just need to focus on the basics, continue doing what we have been doing, want to finish in the top two. Ripal Patel is making his debut, Smith goes out. He's a lower middle-order batsman who can bowl a few overs.

Also, when asked about his relationship with his ‘mentor’ MS Dhoni, Pant, who is celebrating his 24th birthday today, said it’s great learning from the CSK skipper, but for now, he’s a ‘rival’.