IPL 2023 Final: 'CSK deserve to lose' - MS Dhoni slammed for backing Sri Lankans Theekshana and Pathirana

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IPL 2023 Final: MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management have been slammed for picking Sri Lanka off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana ahead of experienced New Zealand left-arm spinner MItchell Santner in the all-important IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans (GT).

Theekshana gave away 36 runs without taking any wicket in four overs. The 22-year-old was also very sloppy in his fielding. On the fourth ball of the sixteenth over, Theekshana fumbled while fielding at mid-on as the ball went past the boundary rope.

Dhoni and the CSK management have also been criticised by fans for backing 20-year-old Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Widely known as 'Baby Malinga', he leaked 44 runs in four overs before picking two wickets in the final over as GT batters took the aggressive route to pile up more runs.

Tushar Deshpande was also on the receiving end for giving 56 runs for no wickets in four overs. Deshpande leaked 20 and 18 runs in the 17th and 19th over respectively.

The onslaught from GT batters and the poor bowling effort from CSK saw the defending champions post 214/4 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. A few fans demanded the immediate sacking of the other players, while others questioned CSK's decision to continuously back a few players.

Fans trend 'We Love You Santner' after CSK win

However, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway and other CSK batters did a tremendous job as CSK chased the revised 171-run target in 15 overs on the final ball to clinch their 5th IPL title.

CSK fans showed why they are one a kind by trending 'We Love You Santner' a day after CSK's emphatic win. Santner player three matches and picked three wickets at an averge of 27 and an economy rate of 6.75.