Sports

'If I had to lose, I don't mind losing to MS Dhoni': Hardik Pandya after CSK win IPL 2023

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 30 May 2023, 07:43 pm

Ahmedabad : Cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings proved better than Gujarat Titans in the rain-interrupted Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Tuesday, winning the trophy for the fifth time in 16 seasons.

Despite losing the final which was almost in Gujarat's grasp, skipper Hardik Pandya, who has a calm demeanour, doesn't mind much. The reason? It's MS Dhoni.

In the post-match presentation, Pandya said, "I'm very happy for him (MS Dhoni)."

"Destiny had this written for him. If I had to lose, I don't mind losing to him. I said last year that good things happen to good people. I think he is one of the nicest people I have met. God has been kind to me, but I think God gave him a little more today," the Gujarat skipper added.

Keeping his countless fans guessing about his retirement, Dhoni said he might come back for another season of IPL if his body permits after Chennai lifted the trophy for the fifth time on Tuesday.

When presenter Harsha Bhogle asked him about his future in cricket, Dhoni said, "Circumstantially if you see, this is the best time to announce my retirement.

"But the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year, the easy thing would be for me to say 'Thank you very much', but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another 9 months and come back and play at least 1 more season of IPL."

"A lot depends on the body, I have 6-7 months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side, it's not easy for me but that's a gift. The way they've shown their love and affection, I think that's something I need to do for them," he added.

Dhoni's Chennai defeat Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 final

Ravindra Jadeja hammered a six and a four with 10 needed off the last two balls to provide an exhilarating finish to power Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title as they defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets (DLS Method) in a humdinger at the Narendra Modi Stadium here early Tuesday morning.

Jadeja smashed 15* off 6 balls as cameos from Devon Conway (47 off 25), Ruturaj Gaikwad (26 off 16), Shivam Dube (32* off 21), Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 13) and Ambati Rayudu (19 off 8) helped Chennai chase down 171 from 15 overs in a rain-reduced IPL final.

Earlier, an uncapped Sai Sudharsan showcased his raw talent in IPL final with a superb 96 off 47 balls, ably supported by Wriddhiman Saha (54 off 39) and Shubman Gill 39 (20) to help Gujarat post a mammoth 214/4 before rain forced the match to be shortened to 15 overs.