CSK vs GT, IPL 2023 final: Ravindra Jadeja dedicates Chennai Super Kings’ title win to MS Dhoni | Cricket News – Times of India

The scenes of Chennai Super Kings‘ captain MS Dhoni lifting Ravindra Jadeja after the all-rounder’s match-winning cameo in the IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans will remain etched in memory forever. And with Dhoni’s participation in another IPL season not certain, Jadeja dedicated the win to the talismanic CSK skipper.
Needing 10 off the last two balls to reach the revised target of 171 in 15 overs in the rain-shortened final at Ahmedabad on Monday, Jadeja (15* off 6 balls) hit Mohit Sharma for a six and a four to complete a thrilling five-wicket triumph (DLS method) for CSK.

Gujarat had posted a mammoth 214/4, led by Sai Sudharsan’s blistering 96 off 47 balls. But it started raining in the first over of CSK’s run-chase and the delay forced revision of the target.
“I’d like to dedicate this win to a special member of the CSK side, MS Dhoni,” said Jadeja.

(Dhoni lifting Jadeja after the win – Photo: iplt20.com)
“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,” Jadeja added.

“It 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.”

(With agency inputs)