Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya has heaped praise on his mentor and rival skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying that ‘destiny had it written for him’ that he would probably play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in his last Indian Premier League season. to a record-equalling fifth title.
Chasing a revised target of 171 in 15 overs, CSK beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets with Ravindra Jadeja hitting sixes and fours in the last two deliveries in a rain-affected final here on Monday. Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans to the title in his debut season last year, said after the final loss, “I am very happy for him (Dhoni). This is what fate had written for him.
He said, “If I have to lose, I have no problem in losing to him. Good things happen to good people and he is one of the nicest people I know. God has been kind, God has been kind to me too but tonight was his.
Dhoni himself has not yet ruled out playing in the IPL next year but said that his body needs to support him for that to happen. Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 15 runs in six balls, dedicated the title win to his captain Dhoni. Jadeja said, “I want to dedicate this victory to a special member of the CSK team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”
He said, “Feels amazing, to win the fifth title in front of our home crowd. I am from Gujarat and it is a special feeling. The spectators at the ground have been fantastic. They waited till late night for the rain to stop, I would like to congratulate the CSK fans who came here to support us.
On hitting a six and a four off the last two balls, Jadeja said, “I was just thinking that I need to hit as hard as I can. I was not thinking about where the ball would go, just trying to hit hard. “I was trusting myself and trying to hit straight because I know Mohit is slow. Can throw the ball.
Titans failed to defend their title but Pandya said he can’t ask for much more from his players. He said, “We implemented a lot of plans and played with all our hearts. We have always been a team that stays together and no one has given up. We win together and we lose together. Maybe today is one of those matches. I am not one of those people who make excuses. Superkings played better cricket.
Hardik said, “Special mention to Sai too. He is going to do great things in his life. I am very happy for those people. Mohit, Shami, Rashid everyone, everyone took responsibility. Special mention to the coaching staff too. I can’t ask for anything more from him.
CSK middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu had announced his decision to retire from IPL just before the final. He said he can smile for the rest of his life after a ‘fairytale-like end’ to his cricket career.
Rayudu said, “It is a fairy tale ending. I can’t ask for anything more than that. I am fortunate to have been a part of wonderful teams. I can smile for the rest of my life. For all the hard work I have put in over the last 30 years, I am glad I ended up like this.
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