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FIThey were called a “team of uncles.”
In 2022, Chennai Super Kings finished 9th. Dead last among the original franchises. The captaincy handover to Jadeja collapsed mid-season. Dhoni had to take it back. The internet was ruthless. “CSK’s era is over.” “Time to rebuild.”
They didn’t rebuild. They came back in 2023 with the same core. Same “old” squad.
Dhoni at 41 with a knee so damaged he could barely climb the stairs to the dressing room. He played every single game with his left knee strapped in a cast, never complained once, and quietly batted at No. 8 because he couldn’t run between the wickets anymore.
They made the final.
Rayudu announced the final would be his last-ever IPL game after managing just 139 runs all season. The critics had already written the obituary.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans — the team that won the IPL in their literal debut season — were looking to go back-to-back. Playing the final at home in Ahmedabad. Sai Sudharsan smashed 96 off 47 balls. GT posted 214.
Then rain cut the chase to 15 overs. CSK needed 171. In 15. In someone else’s backyard.
They lost wickets in clusters. Mohit Sharma nailed four consecutive yorkers in the final over.
No boundaries in 13 deliveries. 10 needed off 2 balls.
Every camera in the stadium was waiting for GT’s celebration.
Then Jadeja — the same man whose captaincy “failed” the year before — smashed a six over long-on. Then a four through fine leg off the last ball.
Trophy number 5. In Ahmedabad. On the last ball. The “team of uncles” had done it again.
Two days later, Dhoni was on an operating table getting knee surgery. He’d been carrying that injury the entire tournament and told no one.
They didn’t just prove the doubters wrong. They made the doubt look stupid.
@fine.print.media
