'Pressure completely shifted to me' - Mohit Sharma revisits last over drama from IPL 2023 final [Exclusive Interview]

Once a star performer for Chennai Super Kings, it was only natural for Mohit to share his learnings, anecdotes, and fun incidents with the legendary MS Dhoni.

Published - 15 Aug 2025, 19:12 IST | Updated - 15 Aug 2025, 19:16 IST

6 Min Read

Mohit Sharma revisits last over drama from IPL 2023 final

When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade — is an age-old saying, but it is also the story of ace pacer Mohit Sharma who rose from the ashes to deliver one of the best performance on the cricketing field during a comeback. Playing IPL after a three-year gap, Mohit returned to play for Gujarat Titans and nearly got them their second-consecutive title, but Ravindra Jadeja had the luck swinging his way with the bat.

This moment will always be a dark chapter in Mohit Sharma's books, but he also knows to accept the results, since after all the game runs after the results is what he says. Our exclusive interview with him did not just unravel the story behind 'that' last over in the IPL final, but much more. Once a star performer for Chennai Super Kings, it was natural for him to share his learnings, anecdotes, and fun incidents with the legendary MS Dhoni.

Excerpts

2023 was a dream comeback season for you — when you look back, what’s the first memory that comes to mind?

I think I had a fairytale season. At the same we haven’t finished the way we wanted. If I see it back now, no regrets. I don’t see things from a results perspective. Yes, results have a lot of impact on your life. Individually, I had a very good season, and the team also had an exceptional season. Unfortunately, because of two balls, we couldn’t lift the title. As a sportsperson, I learnt that the show must go on, and I aim to be humble.

How did it feel walking back into the IPL after almost 3 years away?

It feels good and fresh. At the same time, I was actually excited rather than nervous. I got goosebumps when I stepped onto the practice. I felt like I was back in the system. I felt good at that time.

You won the Purple Cap in 2014 — how do you compare Mohit Sharma to the Mohit Sharma of 2023?

I feel it’s the same. Maybe I am more humble. I am clearer about pressure situations and decision-making. It’s all about how you handle that particular situation, and don’t worry about the result, as it’s complete destiny. I understand how to handle such situations now. I used to be poor at decision-making in 2014, but I have learnt to manage that now.

What was your mindset during the years you were away from the IPL spotlight?

Very simple. Wake up in the morning, go for a run, train, and give some time to your family. Go for practice. This was consistent. I came back again. If you want to achieve anything in any sport, discipline is important.

Can you take us inside a huddle with Dhoni—what's he usually like before a tense final over or a critical match moment?

One good thing about Mahi bhai is that he always tries to keep things very simple. When we’re in the huddle, we always talk about common sense. Because nowadays, common sense is not so common. For example, if it’s a bumpy field, we’ve to be aware, we don’t have to rush towards the ball. If there is air, how to bowl. 99% of the time, he always talks about the controllables and sticks to the plan.

Which batter in your career has been the toughest to bowl to?

These days, all batters are tougher. Let’s take an example of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who’s just 14. He comes out to bat in his first match and steps out to hit a six on the first ball. He’s extremely talented and beautiful skill set. These days, No.10 batter can also score runs even though you bowl a good ball. You’ve to be aware of your plans and be clear when you start from your mark to execute your plans. Surya, AB, Mahi bhai during his peak, Virat Kohli, and there are a lot of batters who became legends in the cricketing world, are all tough to bowl at. I got hit by most of them.

How would you describe MS Dhoni’s role in your career in one sentence?

Very impactful. I am someone who comes from Haryana. I never thought of going out there and playing with all those legends. He gave me that confidence and told me that I deserve to be here and belong here. He advised me to do whatever I’ve been doing for the past few years, instead of putting extra effort. He used to always give me that maturity sense. Mahi bhai gave me a sense of calmness. Even if you’re going for sixes on the first five balls, on the sixth ball, your mind should be calm on what you’re going to do. I advise the same to my juniors as well as in T20 cricket, every ball is important.

One on-field moment with Dhoni you’ll never forget?

I had a lot of moments. Mahi bhai has a cool and calm aura. You don’t expect him to lose his cool. Being a young guy, you get excited when he loses his cool at you. There was a moment in the CLT20 against KKR, Mahi bhai called Ishwar Pandey to bowl, but I thought he called me to bowl. I started my run-up, but Mahi bhai said he didn’t call me to bowl, and he tried calling Ishwar. Umpire said I’ve to continue bowling as I started my run-up. He lost his cool at me and abused me. I took Yusuf [Pathan] bhai’s wicket on the first ball. During the celebration, Mahi bhai was still hurling abuses (laughs). At the same time, I had a lot of off-field moments. He is always someone who loves to teach things. Every time you sit with him, you learn something in life, not just about the sport. He teaches how cricket can make a kind human.

Fans see 'Captain Cool' on the field, but how is Dhoni in the dressing room or team bus—any interesting or funny stories you can share?

He always tries to be calm on the team bus. He never uses earbuds or headphones. In the dressing room, before the match, if he wants to say something to anyone, he goes and sits next to that person. After the match, he discusses one-on-one if everything went well. After that, he leaves everything then and there. I feel cricket should be played in that way only. If you drag things and take anyone’s baggage on your shoulder, being a captain and a senior player, it would be difficult for you. A lot of times, we used to be far away from him after being abused by him. However, Mahi bhai always says he left that thing on the ground itself, but he says it’s about how you perform in the next match, as we shouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.

Take us through your emotions before bowling that last over in the IPL 2023 final

I was very clear and calm. I know my plan. I had to defend 13 runs. I had to mix one ball, and two lefties were batting. I had to mix one wide slower. But, this plan was if I got hit for one or two fours in the first three balls. I bowled four yorkers and they got four singles. The fifth ball was also a good one, but Jaddu was deep in his crease, and he lofted it for a six. Pressure completely shifted to me. On the last ball, I knew Jaddu would open up his foot. I tried bowling on his pad, but the ball edged and went for four. Execution didn’t happen properly on the last two balls. I worked on that later. Maybe it was dehydration and tiredness. It is very tough to bowl a yorker. Yes, you’ve to accept the result and move on, you feel bad. This game actually runs over results. Individually, you have to move on very quickly.

Your Asia Cup 2025 finalists?

India and Pakistan. It’s up to the government if we’re playing or not, but I feel these two teams are the strongest if the full tournament happens as per the schedule.

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