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'I'd rather lose to Dhoni': Hardik accepts GT's defeat in IPL final with stunning 'destiny had this written' remark
Hardik Pandya gave CSK skipper MS Dhoni a special mention while reflecting on GT's defeat in the IPL 2023 final.
Despite finishing at the top of the points table in their title-defending season, Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans (GT) failed to win back-to-back trophies as the Ahmedabad-based franchise lost to MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final on Tuesday. Rewriting history in the 16th edition of the cash-rich league, Chennai Super Kings registered a stunning win over Hardik and Co. on the third day of the rain-curtailed encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
While Devon Conway played a blistering knock of 47 off 25 balls, Shivam Dube's remained unbeaten on 32 (21 balls) before Ravindra Jadeja's crucial cameo sealed CSK's memorable win over GT in the final-over thriller at Ahmedabad. Reflecting on GT's defeat in the summit clash of the celebrated tournament, Gujarat skipper Hardik issued a noteworthy statement and the star all-rounder also gave a special mention to CSK skipper Dhoni in the post-match presentation.
'Destiny had this written'
“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,” Hardik said.
Hardik, who has learned a lot of cricketing nuances from Dhoni, was also pleased to see the CSK skipper lifting the famous trophy after an unforgettable season in the IPL. “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,” Hardik added.
Dhoni scripts history
Under Dhoni's leadership, CSK ended their winless run against GT in the IPL 2023 playoffs. After defeating GT in Qualifier 1, Dhoni and Co. upstaged GT in the final to secure their record-equalling fifth IPL crown at Ahmedabad. Superstar Dhoni also became the first player to record 250 appearances in the world's richest T20 league on Tuesday. The 41-year-old has masterminded CSK's all five IPL title wins in the elite tournament.
