Ravindra Jadeja recently injected some playful banter into discussions about his standout performance during the IPL 2023 final with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Reflecting on his crucial role in clinching victory against the Gujarat Titans, Jadeja humorously remarked that he might just be the second person, after MS Dhoni’s wife Sakshi Dhoni, to receive a celebratory lift from the iconic captain.
Recalling the thrilling IPL final showdown, where GT initially set a daunting target of 214/4, only to have CSK chasing a revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs due to rain interruptions and the application of the DLS method, Jadeja found himself at the forefront of a gripping climax.
With CSK requiring 13 runs off the final over delivered by Mohit Sharma, Jadeja’s remarkable hitting prowess came to the fore. A crucial six over long-on off the fifth delivery set the stage, followed by a nerve-wracking boundary on the final ball. In a jubilant moment, Dhoni, stationed at CSK’s dugout, lifted Jadeja in exultation, marking a memorable celebration.
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In a recent promotional event for CSK, Ravindra Jadeja quipped, “I believe after Sakshi bhabhi, I am the only guy who was lifted by Mahi bhai,” eliciting laughter from the audience. MS Dhoni himself commended Jadeja’s stellar six-ball 15* in the final, emphasizing the pressure-cooker situation and the remarkable talent displayed by the all-rounder.
MS Dhoni remarked, “And this situation also, you know I was quite confident about you know Jaddu has the talent and mindset to achieve the target. But again, it’s not definitely that this is what will happen. It was a very memorable innings. You know the few sixes that he hit before the last ball. I think those were very difficult.”
Further elaborating on the intensity of the moment, Dhoni acknowledged the challenges of achieving such feats under immense pressure, underscoring the collective effort and emotions involved in securing victory. He expressed gratitude for being on the winning side and lauded Jadeja’s batting prowess.
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With MS Dhoni’s illustrious tenure as CSK captain potentially drawing to a close in the 2024 IPL season, his decision to relinquish captaincy to young Ruturaj Gaikwad has marked a significant transition. Under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK has kicked off the season on a resounding note, securing victories in their first two matches and ascending to the top of the points table. As the defending champions aim for further success, Dhoni’s legacy continues to shape the team’s journey in the IPL.
