If Deepak Chahar had managed to hold on to that crucial catch of Shubman Gill when he was on three during the IPL 2023 final, the Chennai Super Kings would have had a lower target to chase on Monday. Eventually, the Gujarat Titans reached a total of 214 for four, with Sai Sudharshan (96) and Wriddhiman Saha (54) being the main contributors, but Gill’s quickfire 39 off 20 deliveries provided the perfect start for his team.
Although CSK successfully chased down the revised target of 171 in 15 overs due to rain interruptions in Ahmedabad, MS Dhoni didn’t forget about the missed catch. He was seen taunting Chahar mercilessly for the drop and denied him a Sunil Gavaskar moment.
The incident occurred in the second over of the match after CSK had elected to field first. Dhoni strategically placed Chahar at backward square leg, anticipating a shot from Gill. Tushar Deshpande delivered a fuller ball on the leg side, and Gill flicked it in the air, straight towards Chahar. He had the opportunity to take a comfortable catch but ended up dropping it.
Dhoni, known for his composed demeanor during matches, initially didn’t react. However, after the game, he expressed his disappointment to Chahar.
A video that went viral on social media captured Chahar asking Dhoni for an autograph on his CSK jersey, similar to how the 41-year-old had signed for Gavaskar after Chennai’s final league game in Chepauk. But Dhoni promptly refused, gesturing for Chahar to leave. He then shared the incident with Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI vice-president, highlighting that Chahar had missed an easy catch, leaving Shukla in laughter. Eventually, the CSK legend did sign on Chahar’s jersey.
A big thanks to Chahar for bringing out Dhoni’s this side 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/yxZJ8jreSJ
— Sarcaster 🇮🇳 (@sarcaster_) May 29, 2023
Deepak Chahar came for autograph and MS Dhoni reaction 🤣 #MSDhoni #IPL2023Final @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/B5b48VKMAe
— Krrish Gfx (@iamkrrishgfx) May 29, 2023
Prior to the final, during a conversation with Gaurav Kapur on ‘Breakfast with Champions,’ Chahar had spoken about his bond with Dhoni. He revealed that he shares a close relationship with Dhoni, who had nurtured him since his IPL debut in 2016 for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants.
“I’m close to MS Dhoni. We always sit together, even on flights, and he showers me with the most affection,” Chahar had shared.