TATA IPL 2023 Grand Finale: CSK vs GT - Match Recap
Image Source: iplt20.com
In a thrilling encounter at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Ravindra Jadeja's heroic batting display sealed Chennai Super Kings' fifth IPL title, as they edged past defending champions Gujarat Titans by five wickets (DLS Method).
Jadeja's explosive cameo of 15* runs off just 6 balls provided the grand finale, where he smacked a six and a four when 10 runs were needed off the last two deliveries. His effort, combined with contributions from Devon Conway (47 off 25), Ruturaj Gaikwad (26 off 16), Shivam Dube (32* off 21), Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 13), and Ambati Rayudu (19 off 8), propelled CSK to chase down the revised target of 171 runs from 15 overs.
Earlier in the match, Sai Sudharsan's scintillating knock of 96 off 47 balls, supported by Wriddhiman Saha's 54 off 39 and Shubman Gill's 39 off 20, propelled Gujarat Titans to a formidable total of 214/4 before rain intervened, forcing a reduction in overs.
Chasing 171 from 15 overs, CSK's Gaikwad and Conway provided a strong start before rain halted play. Resuming the game with revised conditions, the CSK duo continued their assault, with Conway particularly aggressive against Hardik Pandya and Mohd. Shami. Despite a valiant effort from GT's Noor Ahmad, who picked up crucial wickets, CSK's middle order, led by Rahane and Dube, kept the chase alive.
Mohit Sharma's pivotal over, claiming the wickets of Rahane and MS Dhoni, tightened the game, but Dube and Rayudu's onslaught kept CSK in contention. With 13 needed off the final over, Mohit Sharma's brilliant display almost sealed it for GT, until Jadeja's final blows secured the victory for CSK.
This win marked a glorious end to MS Dhoni's captaincy journey with CSK, who won the toss and opted to bowl first. Despite a resilient batting performance from GT, CSK's disciplined bowling and remarkable chase sealed their dominance in the tournament.
In summary, Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious in a nail-biting final, clinching their fifth IPL title in a fitting finale to the 2023 season.
