Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinched their fifth title in a thrilling finale against the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The match took place on May 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. GT, batting first, posted an imposing total of 214 runs, led by an exceptional innings from Sai Sudharshan, who scored 96 runs.
However, rain interrupted the game, and CSK was set a revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs. In a nail-biting finish, the five-time champions managed to chase down the target on the final ball, securing victory by five wickets.
GT had established themselves as one of the top teams in IPL 2023, making them a formidable opponent. Despite the loss, Hardik Pandya expressed his pride in his team’s performance and stated that if he had to lose the title, he would prefer losing to CSK’s captain, MS Dhoni. Pandya emphasized that good things happen to good people and hailed Dhoni as one of the best individuals he knows. He believed that destiny had written this victory for Dhoni.
At the post-match presentation, Pandya said, “I’m very happy for him (MS Dhoni), destiny had this written. If I had to lose, I’d rather lose to him. Good things happen to good people, and he’s been one of the best people I know. God has been kind, God has been kind to me as well, but today was his night.”
Pandya further acknowledged that CSK played superior cricket in the final and deserved to win. He also highlighted GT’s team spirit, emphasizing their motto of winning and losing together. Pandya congratulated Sai Sudharshan for his remarkable innings under pressure.
“I think we tick a lot of boxes as a team. We play with a lot of heart, really proud of the way we kept fighting. We have a motto – we win together, we lose together. I’m not going to make excuses, CSK played better cricket. We batted really well, special mention to Sai (Sudarshan), not easy to play that well at this level. We have been backing the boys and trying to make sure we get the best out of them. But their success is their success. The way they have put their hand up and delivered – Mohit, Rashid, Shami everyone,” concluded Pandya.
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