'If I had to lose, I don't mind losing to MS Dhoni,' says GT skipper Hardik Pandya after IPL final loss

Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni (Pic: AFP)

In a thrilling rain-affected summit showdown that stretched over three days, Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets with Ravindra Jadeja smashing a six and a four off the last two balls to chase down a revised target of 171 in 15 overs here on Monday.

GT skipper Hardik Pandya, who has maintained that he is a fan of legendary cricketer and CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, paid rich tributes to his mentor, saying "destiny had this written for him" to lead Chennai Super Kings to a record-equalling fifth IPL title in what could be his last season in the lucrative league.

"I'm very happy for him (Dhoni). Destiny had this written for him," Pandya said after the heartbreaking loss.

"If I had to lose, I don't mind losing 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," added the India white-ball all-rounder who led GT to title triumph in 2022.

Dhoni has not yet ruled out playing in the IPL next year but said for that to happen, his body will have to hold up.

Also Read: Hard thing would be to work hard for nine months and try to play another IPL: Dhoni

Jadeja, who remained not out on 15 off just six balls, dedicated the title win to his skipper Dhoni.

"I would like to dedicate this win to a special member of the CSK side, MS Dhoni," Jadeja said.

"Feels amazing, winning my fifth title in front of my home crowd. I'm from Gujarat, and it's a special feeling. This crowd has been amazing. They were waiting for rain to stop till late night, I'd like to say a big congratulations to the CSK fans who came to support us," he stated.

On his six and four off the last two balls, Jadeja said, "I was just thinking I need to swing hard, as much as I can. Where the ball will go, I was not thinking about that, just looking to swing hard."

"I was backing myself and looking to hit straight, because I know Mohit can bowl those slower balls," he added.

Also Read: CSK vs GT highlights: 'Sir' Jadeja wins it for CSK, Chennai clinch fifth trophy

GT failed to defend their title but Pandya said he would not have asked more from the team.

"We tick a lot of boxes and played with our heart. We've always been a team that has stood together and no one gave up. We win together and we lose together. Maybe one of those games today. I'm not one of those guys who makes excuses. CSK played better cricket," the GT skipper said.

"Special mention to Sai as well. He is going to do wonders in his life. I'm really happy for the guys. We've been backing them and their success has been their success. Mohit, Shami, Rashid everyone, the way they put their hand up. Special mention to the coaching staff as well. I can't ask anything more from them," he added.

CSK middle-order batter Ambati Rayudu, who had announced his decision to stop playing IPL just before the final, said he can afford to smile for the rest of his life after a "fairytale finish" to his cricketing career.

Chennai Super Kings clinched record-equalling fifth IPL title.

(With PTI inputs)