MS Dhoni won over the internet on Monday even as Chennai Super Kings lifted a record equalling 5th IPL title. Having all but confirmed his retirement U-turn, Dhoni proceeded to lift the trophy as his teammates waited. However, instead of lifting it himself, Dhoni asked Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja to do the same. It was an incredible gesture given the former announced his retirement before the IPL 2023 Final in Ahmedabad. Follow Indian Premier League LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
It would have been a crowning moment for MS Dhoni to lift the trophy having led his team to a record-equalling win. However, in typical MS Dhonui fashion, the Thala chose to remain on the sidelines, letting the limelight fall on Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja. Rayudu announced his retirement from the IPL and played a valuable cameo at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday. Jadeja of course did the impossible, hitting 10 off 2 to help CSK win the title.
Also Read: CSK vs GT Highlights: Ravindra Jadeja & Conway power CSK to 5th IPL title, Watch IPL 2023 Final Highlights
𝗖.𝗛.𝗔.𝗠.𝗣.𝗜.𝗢.𝗡.𝗦! 🏆
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2023
Chennai Super Kings Captain MS Dhoni receives the #TATAIPL Trophy from BCCI President Roger Binny and BCCI Honorary Secretary @JayShah 👏👏 #CSKvGT | #Final | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/WP8f3a9mMc
Rayudu announced on Sunday he would be retiring from the IPL after the final. The veteran played a valuable cameo, scoring 19 off just 8 balls, tonking Mohit Sharma to put CSK in control of the chase. Dhoni lauded his efforts and let the man from Hyderabad lift the title. It could possibly still be MS Dhoni’s last chance to hold the and hoist the trophy, but the Captain Cool thought it would be best to pass it down to his best men.
At the post-match presentation, Dhoni lauded Ambati Rayudu and his efforts in what is a stellar career. Rayudu is just the second player in IPL history to win 6 titles, with 3 each at Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
“The special thing about Rayudu is he will always give his 100% when he is on his field. But with him in the team, I will never win the Fairplay Award. He always wants to contribute and he has been a fantastic cricketer. I’ve been playing with him for a long time, since the India A tours. He’s a player who can play spin and pace equally well. It is something really special. I felt he would do something really special, I’m really happy for him. This game will be one he will remember, he’s also like me – not someone who uses the phone often. What’s important is that he has had a fantastic career and I hope he enjoys the next phase of his life.” Dhoni said at the post match presentation.
