'Isi baat pe aaj haar jana' - Fans react as Hardik Pandya says only a 'devil' can hate MS Dhoni ahead of GT vs CSK Qualifier 1 in IPL 2023

Hardik Pandya, an all-rounder for India and the captain of Gujarat Titans, refers to the famous MS Dhoni as his "dear brother," from whom he has gained a lot of wisdom. In a video clip posted by GT on Twitter prior to the IPL 2023 playoff match in Chennai versus the CSK, Pandya discusses his relationship with the former India captain.

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"A lot of people think Mahi is serious and all that. For me, I crack jokes, and I don't see him as a Mahendra Singh Dhoni. I have learnt a lot of things from him, a lot of positive things not just while watching him, not even much talking," Pandya said. "For me, he's just my dear brother, a dear friend who I do pranks with, who I chill out with. I will always be a Mahendra Singh Dhoni fan. You need to be a proper devil to hate him," he added.

CSK has lost all three games played against GT in IPL history

In the ongoing IPL season, Dhoni has received a warm welcome each time he has entered the pitch. Fans lining up to see the two-time world cup winning captain in action have transformed stadiums, whether at home or away matches, into a sea of yellow. One of the key causes of this is the rumour that Dhoni will retire from playing after the 2023 IPL season. He has not, however, officially confirmed the retirement discussions.

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In Tuesday night's opening IPL 2023 qualifier in the Chepauk Stadium, Gujarat Titans will face Chennai Super Kings. The defending champions will play at the location for the first time. However, this will be the second season meeting between these two opponents. At Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, where the host team won by five wickets, GT and CSK began the season. At the same location on Wednesday, the Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians will meet in the Eliminator.

Here's how fans reacted to Hardik Pandya's comment:

Bodied 5 time champion his previous captain 🤣😂

— ؄Shivam×🚬 (@act_yash) May 23, 2023

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

— Jannhvi ♡ (@janhvii_18) May 23, 2023

Aaj haar jana please hardik 😥

— GOATROHIT45 (@sachinq518) May 23, 2023

Did he just called Gautam Gemphir a devil?!

— Jason Bourne (@JasonBo04445354) May 23, 2023

Csk ko hrra Dena pls

— burning desire (@sharma3053) May 23, 2023

Chokli fans are not less than devil

— Anushka Sharma (@Thalastan7) 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

I am devil

— Man With Mission (@Gameon2711) May 23, 2023