IPL 2023 Final, CSK vs GT: Ravindra Jadeja dedicates CSK’s 5th IPL crown to MS Dhoni
Ravindra Jadeja who starred with the crucial wicket of Shubman Gill and final-over heroics.
With the bat for Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final against Gujarat Titans, dedicated CSK’s fifth IPL crown to MS Dhoni.
MS Dhoni led CSK to a record-equaling fifth IPL title in his 10th final for the team. It was one of the greatest IPL finals ever played as Chennai Super Kings chased down a revised target of 171 off 15 overs in a rain-hit finale against Gujara Titans.
With 13 runs needed off the final over, Jadeja hit a six and four off Mohit Sharma off the last two balls of the season as CSK drew level with Mumbai Indians’ record of five IPL titles.
After the match, Ravindra Jadeja thanked the CSK fans for braving the rain which washed out play on Sunday and forced the final into the Reserve Day. Even then, there was a delay of 2 hours and 20 minutes after rain interrupted CSK’s chase after just three balls. Jadeja also dedicated the victory to Dhoni.
“Feeling amazing winning fifth title in front of my home crowd. They’ve come in big numbers to support CSK. This crowd has been amazing. They were waiting for rain to stop till late night.
“Want to say big congratulations to CSK fans. Want to dedicate this win to one of the special members of our team – MS Dhoni. I was just thinking that I need to swing hard no matter what. Yeah, anything can happen. I was looking to hit straight because Mohit can bowl slower ones. Want to say congratulations to each and every fan of CSK. Just keep cheering the way you’ve been cheering,” Jadeja told STAR Sports after the match.
There was apparently some tension between MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja last year. Shortly before the start of the 2022 IPL, MS Dhoni decided to step down as CSK captain and handed over the leadership role to Ravindra Jadeja. However, half-way into the tournament, after a disastrous run for the team, Jadeja handed the captaincy back to Dhoni who seemed far from impressed.
Over a year later, after Ravindra Jadeja’s match-winning cameo, MS Dhoni lifted his most seasoned all-rounder in a rare show of emotions as the two stalwarts celebrated Chennai Super Kings’ fifth IPL title.