IPL 2023: “I Don’t Mind Losing to Him,” Says Hardik Pandya about MS Dhoni

Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Hardik Pandya added that he did not mind losing to MS Dhoni after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat his side in a nail-biting Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final. He again added that Dhoni was destined to lift the trophy this year as well. However, CSK beat GT by five wickets (DLS method) off the last ball in the IPL 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday (May 29) evening (rescheduled).

However, they finished well past midnight due to a rain delay. Set a revised target of 171 in 15 overs, Ravindra Jadeja took CSK to the finish line by hitting the last two balls from Mohit Sharma for six and four respectively as well. While speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya was all praise for his mentor and opposition captain MS Dhoni as well.

Hailing the veteran legend, he commented: “I’m very happy for him [Dhoni]. Destiny had this written for him. If I had to lose, I don’t mind losing to him. I said last year that good things happen to good people. I think he is one of the nicest people I have met. God has been kind to me, but I think God gave him a little more today.”

However, Gujarat Titans batted first after losing the toss and they posted a huge total of 214/4 on the board as Sai Sudharsan smashed 96 off 47 balls. However, after rain-affected proceedings, CSK had to chase 171 in 15 overs. While talking about that, Hardik Pandya started:

IPL 2023: “They kept fighting” – Hardik Pandya applauds teammates

“I’m not one of those guys who make excuses. CSK played better cricket than us. The way we batted was definitely amazing. Special mention to Sai as well. Someone that young coming and playing at this stage the kind of innings he played. I just wish him well and he is going to do wonders in his life.”

Despite the heartbreaking defeat in the IPL 2023 final, Hardik Pandya applauded his teammates. He stated that everyone kept fighting till the final ball and backed them as well. Although Gujarat Titans ended as IPL 2023 runners-up, Shubman Gill (890 runs) won the Orange Cap, and pacer Mohammed Shami (28 wickets) won the Purple Cap as well. Meanwhile, Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan, with 27 wickets each, were the joint-second highest wicket-takers in the edition as well.

“I am really happy for the guys. We’ve always been about backing them, and making sure they get the best out of them. Their success has been their success. The way they have prepared, the way they have taken the responsibility… Mohit, Shami, Rashid, everyone… the way they put their hand up and said, ‘Don’t worry, we got you’.”I think we tick a lot of boxes, and we play with our heart. We’ve always been a team that has stood together and backed each other. Really proud of the way they have played the whole season. No one gave up. They kept fighting. In our team, there’s a motto: we win together and we lose together. Maybe it was one of those days today,” Hardik Pandya concluded.