Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya suggested that he did not mind losing the IPL 2023 final to MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as he felt that the CSK skipper was destined to win the IPL trophy for the record fifth time.
Pandya considers Dhoni his mentor as under his captaincy the all-rounder made his India debut. He went on to suggest that he was glad to see the veteran wicket-keeper batsman win yet another title.
MORE: Bet on cricket and other sports in India here
What did Hardik Pandya say about MS Dhoni?
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Pandya said,
I'm very happy for him [Dhoni]. Destiny had this written for him. If I had to lose, I don't mind losing to him. I said last year that good things happen to good people. I think he is one of the nicest people I have met. God has been kind to me, but I think God gave him a little more today.
CSK beat GT by five wickets to clinch the IPL title for the fifth time in history. They now have the joint most number of IPL trophies as Mumbai Indians. As a captain, Dhoni equalled Rohit Sharma's of winning five titles.
MORE: Relive the drama of the IPL 2023 Final with our live blog here
How did MS Dhoni perform in IPL 2023?
The CSK skipper's influence throughout IPL 2023 was critical for the teamK, as they claimed their fifth title.
The skipper may have got out for a golden duck in the final itself, but his contribution behind the stumps was important, and he was lightning fast to dismiss GT danger man Shubman Gill.
Overall in IPL 2023, Dhoni scored 104 runs, averaging 34.67.
READ: Will MS Dhoni play for CSK in IPL 2024?
