In a thrilling match in Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning, the Chennai Super Kings defeated the 2022 champion Gujarat Titans to claim their fifth Indian Premier League championship, tying their previous record. Ravindra Jadeja smashed a four as the team needed one to win the game on the very last ball, giving the team victory.
Although Mohit Sharma, the Gujarat Titans pacer, only gave up three runs off the first four deliveries, the CSK needed 10 runs off the final two deliveries to win the match. Jadeja, on the other hand, hit a six from the fifth ball and elegantly concluded the match with a four to fine leg. After the victory, CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a touching move for Jadeja along with Rayudu by asking both players to join him in accepting the IPL trophy at the post-game presentation ceremony. Finally, Rayudu has explained the motivation behind Dhoni's action.
He wants us to join him in lifting the trophy: Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu spoke to NDTV about Dhoni’s gesture during the trophy presentation. He said, “Before the ceremony, he called me and Jaddu, saying he wants us to join him in lifting the trophy. He thinks it was the right moment to do it with both of us. It was really special on his part, I don't think that has ever happened. That's the person he is, and the person that the world knows. Overall, it is his gesture.”
Following the match, CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming emphasised the value of Rayudu's performance and noted that the team will miss the seasoned Indian batter.
Stephen Fleming told the media about the kind of knock Ambati Rayudu played during the IPL final. He said, "Ambati Rayudu has been an absolute legend. I rate him so highly as a batter and those three balls against Mohit Sharma today proved against one of the most in-form bowlers… to hit him for 6, 4 and 6 was sheer class. Rayudu will leave a hole, there is no doubt about it, but the game keeps moving. Doesn’t it? We expected that for him to go out like that was pretty emotional within the group and for him as well."
Fans react to MS Dhoni calling Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja for lifting the IPL trophy: -
Rayudu said "Dhoni called me & Jadeja before the ceremony saying he wants us to join him in lifting the Trophy, he thinks it was the right moment to do it with both of us, it was really special from him, I don't think it has happened, that is the person he is, the person world… pic.twitter.com/X8VasKbgF7
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 2, 2023
Msd's selflessness and ability to make everyone around him feel valued and important are qualities that have endeared him to fans worldwide.
— Jayanta kumar ghosh (@Jayantaghosh28) June 2, 2023
I expected this .. I knew he will call Rayudu for sure
— ಬಂಗುಡೆ ಬೂತಾಯಿ (@Proudtuluv) June 2, 2023
If you still think Dhoni is a credit stealer then you have to consult a doctor
— Akash (@Akash02101) June 2, 2023
But but he's a credit stealer pic.twitter.com/fdeKCW8Q7X
— Eren Yeager (@ErenYea04762379) June 2, 2023
But but but but he is a credit STEALER 😂
— ᴍɪᴛʜɪ'န ✨ (@Messiemind_) June 2, 2023
My goat MAHI 🐐
Same energy !! pic.twitter.com/vP2ADFMSdk
— Aayush Sarda (@AayushSarda) June 2, 2023
I appreciate that. But did he do it with @ImRaina I felt @ImRaina got a very raw deal @ChennaiIPL
— Prakash Ramani (@PrakashRamani60) June 2, 2023