Cricket

IPL 2023: If I had to lose, I’d rather lose to MS Dhoni – Hardik Pandya after IPL Final loss

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya admitted he didn’t mind losing to the great MS Dhoni after the defending champions lost the thrilling IPL 2023 final by five wickets (DLS method) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Pandya has always shared a great bonhomie with MS Dhoni and made his T20 debut for India under his captaincy.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni became IPL champions for the fifth (to go level with Mumbai Indians for joint most titles) after Ravindra Jadeja pulled off the heist. 13 runs were required off the final over when GT specialist death bowler Mohit Sharma nailed four yorkers on the trot to concede only three runs.

However, Sharma slightly veered off his length on the penultimate ball, which Jadeja smashed for a straight six. Mohit then drifted down the leg side on the last ball and the left-hander smashed a boundary to fine leg area to take his team to a humdinger win.

Jadeja played a brilliant cameo of 6-ball 15 and he was able to turn the game on the last two balls.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya was proud of his team’s run and feels they ticked a lot of boxes as a unit. GT was the most successful league-stage team with 10 wins in 14 matches but CSK got the better of them in the playoffs.

Earlier in the game, Sai Sudharsan played a brilliant knock of 96 runs off just 47 balls. In fact, the left-hander got off to a slow start but he was able to change gears to help his team post 214 runs on the board. However, after rain intervention, CSK had to chase 171 runs in 15 overs according to the DLS method.

Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation, “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 the better cricket. We batted really well, special mention to Sai (Sudharsan), 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.”

He added, “(On MS Dhoni) I’m very happy for him, 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.”

GT should be proud of another impressive season and Hardik Pandya deserves a lot of credit for getting the best out of his players.

 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Riyan Parag reacts on being appointed RR captain for first three IPL 2025 matches, says he is ready for the challenge

Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag is ready to take the captaincy challenge in the first three… Read More

March 21, 2025

Michael Clarke praises new RCB management for moving away from ‘superstar culture’

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has showered praise on new Royal Challengers Bengaluru management for… Read More

March 21, 2025

Sanjay Manjrekar sheds light on Test future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, backs former to turn his form

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Virat Kohli to turn his form in the… Read More

March 21, 2025

Michael Clarke backs CSK to have another successful season ahead of IPL 2025, says they always seem to overachieve

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has backed Chennai Super Kings to have another successful season… Read More

March 21, 2025

India Ends 15-Month Winless Streak with 3-0 Victory Over

India registered a resounding 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a FIFA International Friendly at… Read More

March 20, 2025

PV Sindhu Crashes Out in Swiss Open 2025; Kidambi Srikanth, Priyanshu Rajawat Advance

Former world champion PV Sindhu faced an early exit from the Swiss Open 2025 badminton… Read More

March 20, 2025