The final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 saw a showdown between Hardik Pandya and his idol, MS Dhoni, as the Gujarat Titans faced off against the Chennai Super Kings. However, despite Hardik’s best efforts, Dhoni emerged victorious, leading CSK to their fifth IPL title. In the aftermath of the defeat, Hardik expressed his pride in his team and revealed that if he had to lose the title to anyone, he would choose Dhoni. He believed that it was destiny for Dhoni to win, as good things happen to good people, and Dhoni was one of the best individuals he knew.
During the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya shared his thoughts, stating, “I’m very happy for him (MS Dhoni), destiny had this written. If I had to lose, I’d rather lose 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.” Hardik’s admiration for Dhoni’s character and the recognition of his exceptional qualities as a person and a cricketer were evident in his words.
Following the IPL final, an old video featuring Dhoni and Hardik resurfaced on social media. Originally shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on December 13, 2017, the video gained attention when a Twitter user reposted it. In the video, Dhoni and Hardik can be seen engaging in a racing competition, showcasing their competitive spirit and camaraderie. The video was captured during their time together with the Indian cricket team, and it was shared ahead of an ODI match between India and Sri Lanka.
The match in question is particularly remembered for Rohit Sharma’s magnificent unbeaten knock of 208. India set an imposing total of 392/4, thanks to Rohit’s exceptional innings. In response, Sri Lanka struggled and could only reach 251/8, resulting in India winning the match by a substantial margin of 141 runs.
The re-emergence of this video on social media served as a reminder of the bond between Dhoni and Hardik and the shared experiences they have had as teammates. It showcased the lighter side of their relationship, highlighting their competitiveness and camaraderie off the field.
The IPL final between the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings showcased Hardik Pandya’s respect and admiration for his idol, MS Dhoni. Despite his team’s loss, Hardik displayed grace and acknowledged Dhoni’s deserved victory. The resurfaced video added an extra layer of nostalgia, reflecting the strong bond between Dhoni and Hardik during their time representing the Indian cricket team.
