Chennai Super Kings clinched their fifth Indian Premier League title by defeating the Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final of the 2023 season, with Ravindra Jadeja’s boundary off the last ball sealing the victory. Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, the team celebrated their fiftieth title win.
Unfortunately, Dhoni was unable to make a significant impact with the bat as he fell victim to former CSK bowler Mohit Sharma, getting dismissed for a first-ball duck in the final.
Renowned former Indian captain and now broadcaster, Sunil Gavaskar, expressed his thoughts on Dhoni’s performance in an interview with Sports Tak. Gavaskar stated, “If Dhoni had been there to hit the winning runs, it would have been like a cherry on top. However, being the team player that he is, he will be very happy. Even though he got out on the first ball, his team went on to claim the title, and ultimately, that’s what matters the most. Whether you score hundreds or take five wickets, if your team loses, it diminishes the joy. But even if you score zero or get hit for 40-50 runs, if your team emerges victorious, it holds immense value.”
Gavaskar further highlighted the toll that a tournament like the IPL can take on a player’s physical and mental energy. He expressed his belief that Dhoni will take some time to reflect and discuss with his close ones before making any major decisions. Gavaskar anticipated that a decision regarding Dhoni’s future in the sport would come sooner rather than later.
The discussion surrounding Dhoni’s performance in the IPL final reflects the importance of collective success over individual achievements. Despite his dismissal without scoring, Dhoni’s role as a captain and his team’s triumph took precedence. The satisfaction of winning the title outweighed any personal disappointment, emphasizing Dhoni’s commitment to the team’s success.