IPL 2023: Dhoni-led CSK lifts trophy; GT wins hearts

Ahmedabad:Chennai Super Kings claimed a record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in a rain-affected but thrilling summit showdown on Monday.

Set a revised target of 171 in 15 overs after rain interrupted play at the start of the second innings of a final that was pushed to the reserve day owing to heavy downpour, CSK completed the task in the last ball at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in what could turn out to be the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni's final outing in the T20 league.

Dhoni has been the cynosure of all eyes ever since the IPL began this year and in a fitting end to the finale, the captain finished with a record-levelling fifth trophy.

Will Dhoni be part of next IPL?

It remains to be seen whether Dhoni would return to lead CSK once again next year or not, as the entire IPL and even the final was all about Dhoni-mania. But he said for that to happen, his body will have to hold up.

"Circumstantially, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over, the easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be to work hard for nine months and try to play another IPL," said 41-year-old Dhoni after the final.

This IPL his fans from across the country went to the venues in large numbers to cheer for him, chanting his name wherever CSK played.

"It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body. You do get emotional, the first game at CSK everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout," Dhoni said.

"I realized I need to enjoy this. I think they love me for what I am, I don't try to portray something I'm not. Just keep it simple," he added.

I can smile for the rest of my life: Rayudu

CSK's middle-order batter Ambati Rayudu said he can afford to smile for the rest of his life after a "fairytale finish" to his cricketing career.

Rayudu, who had announced his decision to stop playing IPL just before the final against Gujarat Titans, said his hard work for the last 30 years has paid rich dividends.

"It's a fairytale finish. I couldn't have asked for more. I'm fortunate to have played in great sides. I can smile for the rest of my life. All the hard work I've done in the last 30 years, I'm happy I got to finish on this note", said Rayudu.

"I would like to thank my family, my father. Without them this wouldn't have been possible," said Rayudu after CSK beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL final.

Jaddu feels proud winning at hometown

CSK all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also known as Jaddu, who hit a six and four in the last two balls to seal the title for CSK, dedicated the win to skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who probably played his last IPL game.

"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 the rain to stop till late night, I'd like to say a big congratulations to the CSK fans who came to support us," said Jaddu.

"I'd like to dedicate this win to a special member of the CSK side, MS Dhoni," he 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," Jaddu.

GT team plays with heart

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya, who considers Dhoni his mentor, said he didn't mind losing to the two-time World Cup-winning India captain.

"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 no one gave up. We win together and we lose together. Maybe one of those games today," he said.

"I mean, I'm not one of those guys who makes excuses," Hardik said.

When asked about Dhoni, he said, "I'm very happy for him. Destiny had this written for him. If I had to lose, I don't mind losing to him. Good things happen to good people." B Sai Sudharsan slammed 96 in 47 balls as Gujarat Titans posted 214 for four after being asked to bat first.

Inputs from PTI