The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the IPL 2023 Final to level with Mumbai Indians with 5 titles. The victory has been even more special as many believe this season to be Dhoni's last in the IPL.
As soon as Ravindra Jadeja hit a four off the last ball, the entirety of CSK fandom went into overdrive; some could not even hold their tears back, such has been the support around the IPL franchise. In the post-match, Dhoni dedicated the victory to the support of fans and especially god.
The players and the owners have a strong belief in god and hence when images of IPL trophy being taken to a temple in Chennai emerged, fans weren't surprised. Twitter was buzzing watching videos and images of the IPL trophy being taken to priests for blessing.
Many commended the strong belief that the CSK owners have in god. Many claim that this belief is what makes them one of the best sports franchises in the world. Some however also suggested that sports should be kept at an arm's distance from religion given the tension it brings between people.
Some were also of the opinion that the trophy should have been taken to the Church as well as the mosque since people of all religions have been behind the team's success.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
The reason why they're the Greatest team ever on earth 💛❤
— 𝙈𝙎𝘿 ⁷ (@cric_not_out) May 30, 2023
Even those priest have touched the trophy but kohli can't lol🤣🤣😂👍
— Sick18 (@iamgokul2004) May 30, 2023
So what? CSK is not made from tax money. It is a private club owned by individuals.they can do whatever they want with the cup. We don't follow CSK cos of religion, but the love for sports, which unites all.
— Observer (@Judilson) May 30, 2023
I love this franchise... For a so many reasons.. also this ipl made me fan of Hardik Pandya 💖
— MAHI 🥀 (@msdian_kuldeep) May 30, 2023
I found reason to be happy on CSK victory. Well done Chennai Super King 💛
— Abhishek Kumar 🇮🇳 (@IndianAbhishek7) May 30, 2023
This is what Binds as Indian be it South West North or East
— Rohit sharma (@haanjibhaiji) May 30, 2023
Our Tradition Culture and our God ❤️🇮🇳
One more reason to like them
— Jayash Joshi (@JayashJoshi4) May 30, 2023
India is so vibrant fr 💕
— JT (@being_jt) May 30, 2023
As for the IPL 2023 Final, it was a very thrilling match between two of the best sides of the season. After getting postponed from May 28th to May 29th, the game eventually took place on Monday wherein GT were able to make 214/4 in 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan came to the foray with a brilliant 96 off 47 when other batters failed. Wriddhiman Saha also made 54 off 39 alongside Shubman Gill who scored 39 off 20.
After a lengthy delay due to rain, CSK were given a target of 171 in 15 overs which they achieved on the back of brilliant batting display from Devon Conway (47), Shivam Dube (32) and Ajinkya Rahane (27).
It was however Jadeja who made 10 runs off the last two balls and brought CSK their 5th IPL title and went head to head with MI who have the same number of titles.