In the thrilling final of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious in a rain-affected match against the Gujarat Titans. The match, lauded as the greatest of all time, saw CSK chase down a revised target of 171 runs in just 15 overs, requiring 10 runs off the last ball. Ravindra Jadeja’s heroic six and four sealed the remarkable win.
Throughout the night, the bond between CSK captain MS Dhoni and Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya was evident. Dhoni, under whom Pandya made his international debut, and the two played together in the Indian team for several years. The emotions ran high, and even Dhoni’s renowned composure cracked briefly after the game.
A poignant moment came when Dhoni’s daughter, Ziva, gave Pandya a heartfelt hug. This gesture highlighted the close relationship between the two players. In his post-match interview, Pandya paid a rich tribute to Dhoni, expressing his happiness for the CSK captain’s success. He stated that destiny had written this victory for Dhoni and added that if he had to lose, losing to Dhoni was acceptable. Pandya praised Dhoni as one of the best individuals he knows, emphasizing that good things happen to good people.
Dhoni, who has not yet ruled out playing in the IPL next year, acknowledged that his body must hold up for him to continue. He expressed his gratitude to CSK fans and mentioned that playing one more season would be a gift for them. Dhoni highlighted the immense love and emotion he received from the fans, stating that it motivated him to consider extending his playing career.
