IPL 2023 Final: Gracious Hardik didn't mind losing to MS Dhoni, says destiny was written for CSK captain

Gujarat Titans lost the IPL 2023 final against Chennai Super Kings in a pulsating encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the early hours of Tuesday (May 30, late night on Monday).

A rain-interrupted match had a fitting end with a last-ball thriller but it wasn't a fairytale ending for Gujarat Titans as the defending champions faltered at the last hurdle.

But it still was a special season for the Titans. Both the Orange Cap and Purple Cap holders were from the GT side. Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap with 890 runs, whereas Mohammed Shami won the Purple Cap courtesy of a 28-wicket season.

Hardik Pandya, the captain of Gujarat Titans spoke in the post-match presentation and was elated with his team despite a defeat.

"I think we tick a lot of boxes and we play with our heart. We've always been a team that has stood together and no one gave up. We win together and we lose together. Maybe one of those games today. I mean, I'm not one of those guys who makes excuses. Special mention to Sai as well," Pandya said.

The GT captain admitted they played a lot of good cricket throughout the season and thanked the support staff and the players for a season to remember. The GT bowling trio of Mohammed Shami (28 wkts), Rashid Khan (27) and Mohit Sharma (27) finished as the top three highest wicket-takers in this IPL season.

"Mohit, Shami, Rashid everyone...the way they put their hand up. Special mention to the coaching staff as well. I can't ask anything more from them," he added.

The Hardik was asked about the CSK captain MS Dhoni, and the GT captain only had gratitude and respect for the India stalwart. Pandya asserted his happiness for Dhoni and said he didn't mind losing to the former India captain.

"I'm very happy for him, destiny had this written. If I had to lose, I'd rather lose to him. Good things happen to good people, and he's been one of the best people I know. God has been kind, God has been kind to me as well but today was his night," Hardik concluded.

The 29-year-old led GT in stellar fashion as they have capped off another fantastic season. It was MS Dhoni who had the last laugh but Pandya surely has many more to come in the near future.