IPL 2023 Final was pitched as Dhoni Vs Gill; where extremely talented batsman Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans was at the peak of his performance and MS Dhoni was playing as world's best Cricket Captain. It was old Vs young; experience Vs power; and news headlines in all major newspapers told how new blood was expected to deny old champion Dhoni a chance to win supposedly his last IPL. During the final match, in an ironical moment worthy of a movie script, Dhoni stumped out Shubman Gill in the Finals at only 39! What were the chances of Dhoni Vs Gill turning out to be exactly literal? And for this stumping, Dhoni was hailed for his exceptionally short reaction time, which was a saving grace since he disappointed with bat during the final.
Ravindra Jadeja did a miracle by hitting 6 + 4 in last 2 balls of the CSK innings to win the match. Shivam Dube who had two consecutive Sixes in second last over, played an instrumental role in the this IPL too. Looking at Shivam Dube's power hitting and his ability to hit Sixes (Dube hit maximum Sixes for CSK and only one less than Faf Du Plessis who was in tremendous form), I have become his huge fan.
Gossip channels were after Dhoni and Jadeja, writing conspiracy stories about a rift between these two. But gods of Cricket showed unique bonding where Dhoni picked up Jadeja in his arms after the match was over
MS Dhoni rarely shows emotions; but this was an exceptional time. Dhoni showing gratefulness to Ravindra Jadeja for winning the final match for CSK
Dhoni in post-match interview
Hardik Pandya showing his heart made of gold by appreciating rival captain Dhoni
"Those were the best of the times": Dhoni with Rayudu and Jadeja
MS Dhoni receiving an award from the Tatas
CSK: The Ultimate Champions!
Team CSK with IPL 2023 Trophy
CSK team members celebrating with the trophy while MS Dhoni stands in the background; don't know if this was planned or impromptu. Dhoni is known for skipping the highlights after winning any tournament
Future generation: Daughters of some of the CSK players enjoying with the team
Dhoni Family
Ravindra Jadeja picked up Dhoni's daughter Ziva
Sea of crowds come out of Narendra Modi Stadium after the final match. Note that a large number of CSK supporters are seen in yellow jersey
Poster of Tata IPL 2023 Champs!
I think the best thing about IPL is not the game or the trophy but how it allows us to witness genuine display of players' individual characters, their struggles, their grit, the ups and downs during the tournament, and how the best team and players come out on the top by the end. It is more interesting and honest than any piece of fiction; and until great players will be on the field, IPL will keep reaching greater glories every year!
- Rahul
