'Jai Veeru ki jodi salaamat rahe' - Twitter reacts to Hardik Pandya's strong words, 'hating MS Dhoni requires being a proper devil'

Hardik Pandya MS Dhoni

Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 between the Gujarat Titans and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya once again expressed his deep admiration for former India skipper MS Dhoni. Known for their close bond, Pandya revealed that he considers Dhoni not just as a captain but also as a dear friend and brother. In a video posted by the Gujarat Titans, Pandya spoke highly of Dhoni, stating that only a "proper devil" could hate the great man.

"A lot of people think Mahi is serious and all that. For me, I crack jokes and I don't see him as Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Obviously, I have learned a lot of things from him, a lot of positive things, which I have learned from just watching, not even much talking. But for me, he is just my dear friend, dear brother, with whom I do pranks, who I chill, and I will always be a Mahendra Singh Dhoni fan, and for so many fans and so many cricket lovers, you need to be the proper devil to hate MS Dhoni," said Hardik Pandya in the video.

Pandya went on to discuss the similarities between himself and Dhoni, highlighting their composed and calm nature on the field. As a captain, Pandya prefers to keep things simple and rarely displays anger, traits that he shares with the "cool captain" MS Dhoni. This admiration and respect for Dhoni have been evident throughout Pandya's career.

The Gujarat Titans have previously faced the Chennai Super Kings three times in the history of the IPL, emerging victorious on each occasion. CSK, however, has never managed to defeat the Gujarat Titans in the cash-rich tournament since its inception. With the upcoming clash taking place at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK will be aiming to reverse their fortunes against Pandya's squad, while the reigning champions, Gujarat, will be eager to maintain their dominance.

As the cricket world eagerly awaits this clash between two formidable teams, the bond and respect shared between Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni continue to resonate, highlighting the influence and impact Dhoni has had on the younger generation of cricketers.

Here's how Twitter reacted to Hardik Pandya's comments about MS Dhoni: 

Pandya to Dhoni be like pic.twitter.com/fOoZyywV9Y

— KhabriBhai (@RealKhabriBhai) May 23, 2023

Aaj haar jana please hardik 😥

— GOATROHIT45 (@sachinq518) May 23, 2023

Those devils crying under this tweet as always

— 🖤⚡ (@HackngBuddy) May 23, 2023

So all the people who got scammed in Amrapali scams are devils according to Hardik Pandya 👍🏻

— Em!N€nt $oC!@li$t (@Insane__Emi) May 23, 2023

Did he just called Gautam Gemphir a devil?!

— Jason Bourne (@JasonBo04445354) May 23, 2023

@ShreehAsh42 : pic.twitter.com/XrySaroa8a

— 🔖 (@icc_warrior) May 23, 2023

It is going to be a thriller match. Whoever win will qauligy and who ever loses will get another chance. GUJRAT VS CHENNAI IN FINALS 🔥🔥

— Sports.world (@moiz_sports) May 23, 2023

That's why hardik pandya is 2nd best captain of ipl

— Jannhvi ♡ (@janhvii_18) May 23, 2023