MS Dhoni led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth title as they defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2023 final by 5 wickets via DLS method at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in a rain-affected game which was stretched to three days.
GT batted first and thanks to a half-century from Wriddhiman Saha and 96 from Sai Sudharsan, posted 214/4 in 20 overs, a record total in IPL final. In response, the CSK chase was curtailed to 15 overs with the target reduced to 171 runs.
Devon Conway made 47, while Shivam Dube (32*) stayed till the end, with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ambati Rayudu, all playing important cameos to keep the chase alive.
After the final win, CSK players shared what MS Dhoni said to them throughout the IPL 2023 season.
To start, it was Shivam Dube and he said to Indian Express: “Mahi bhai gave me clarity of thought. He told me what my role is. It was simple tujhe jaake team ka run rate badhana hai. (You have to increase the run rate). Even if I get out early no problem but try to complete the task given. The brief was clear.”
Tushar Deshpande too is grateful for Dhoni’s messaging. He would end up as CSK’s highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets.
“You know you have someone who will guide and show the light when things are not going in our favour. He is a selfless guy and keeps things simple. He doesn’t complicate things and will be with you in your bad times. Like a soldier I will just follow whatever he says. I know he can never take me on a wrong path,” Deshpande said.
“His (MS Dhoni) plans are very clear ke yeh yeh karna hai and then one has to execute. He will give freedom as well and when needed he will put a word. He told me that I have everything to play at the top, just be calm, take a deep breath. Keeping mind- shaant is the key (keep the mind calm),” he added.
Vaise To Tu Bada Dedh Shaana Banta Hai: Deepak Chahar On MS Dhoni’s Words To Him
Chahar, who has been the go-to man for MS Dhoni in powerplay wickets, share what Dhoni told him when he slipped in beamers, trying for yorkers with a wet ball.
Chahar said: ‘Vaise to tu bada dedh shaana banta hai.(you act all shrewd and smart) Sab pata hai tujhe. Yaha pe ye kya geeli ball ke saath phek raha hai? (You claim to know everything then why are you bowling like this with the wet ball)’. “My head was down and all I was thinking was that my death bowling career is over since I bowled two beamers. But then I conceded just 5 runs in the next 5 balls and then he hugged me after the game. We are very close and he pampers me a lot.”
At the end of the title triumph, Dhoni gave a small speech in the dressing room. Deshpande recalls the following words: “He told everyone hard work is paid off, but do remember what we did right this year and where we went wrong. Mahi bhai said, “Yeh season tumko kya seekha ke gaya hai, aur aage kya karna hai, yeh zaroor sochna.”
Also Read: IPL 2023: CSK Skipper MS Dhoni Likely To Undergo Tests For Knee Injury In Mumbai Hospital – Reports