IPL FINAL: GT VS CSK

Ravindra Jadeja: 'I want to dedicate this win to MS Dhoni'

Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and a four with 10 required off 2, to hand CSK their 5th title
Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and a four with 10 required off 2, to hand CSK their 5th title ©IPL

After rain shenanigans, and a final played across three days, the Chennai Super Kings clinched a thrilling final against Gujarat Titans to earn themselves their fifth IPL title out of ten finals (in 14 seasons). After Gujarat Titans posted 214 on the board, courtesy a phenomenal innings of 96 by Sai Sudharsan, the rain came pouring down, resulting in a reduced target of 171 in 15 overs for CSK. Devon Conway's 47 and a plethora of useful cameos throughout the batting order got CSK across the line.

Here's how the people at the helm reacted:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni | CSK Captain: "Circumstantially, this is the best time for me to announce the retirement but the amount of love I've been shown, the easy thing would be to say "Thank you". The tough thing would be to work hard and come back next year. Still 6-7 months to go..."

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Ravindra Jadeja:Feeling amazing winning fifth title in front of my home crowd. They (the spectators) were waiting for rain to stop till late night. Want to thank the CSK fans.I want to dedicate this win to one of the special members of our team - MS Dhoni. I was just thinking that I need to swing hard no matter what. I was looking to hit straight because Mohit can bowl slower ones.

Hardik Pandya: I'm very happy for him (MS Dhoni), destiny had this written for him. 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.

Deepak Chahar: He [Rayudu] was telling me, 'I'll win the final.' That belief that he has is unbelievable.

Ambati Rayudu: It's a fairytale finish and I couldn't have asked for more. I can smile for the rest of my life. All the hard work I've done in the last 30 years, I'm happy I got to finish on this (winning) note. I would really like to thank my family, especially my father (starts to choke). Without them this wouldn't have been possible.

Devon Conway: I was just thinking "positive intent, swing for the hills". Our partnership has worked really well, left-right combination. It has been great batting with Rutu, such a clean hitter of the ball. The environment in the dressing room is really great.

Dwayne Bravo: It's a great journey, and I've got to give credit to our entire bowling unit and also coach Eric Simmons. We're proud to see this young bowling group go out and showcase their talent.

Ajinkya Rahane: A really special victory. Credit goes to CSK management for backing me. They said they would back me completely if I got an opportunity. Great team man, and a great character in the dressing room. The knock he played today was special.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: This one was special, because of how it went last year for us. To come back in style, win away games, win in Chepauk, and the finish was unbelievable. With wickets in hand, we thought we'll easily chase down 12-13 an over in the end. We would like to dedicate this win to Rayudu.

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