IPL 2023 final, CSK vs GT: Who said what ?

Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the IPL 2023 final to lift their 5th IPL trophy.

It was a thrilling run chase in the IPL 2023 Final at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chennai Super Kings have defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to win their 5th IPL title. With this win, they have also equaled the Mumbai Indians' record of winning the IPL title most number of times. Ravindra Jadeja with his absolute brilliance in the last two balls against Mohit Sharma, powered CSK to their 5th IPL title. Jadeja smashed 10 runs in the last two balls to put the champions tag on Chennai Super Kings. Playing his last game in the Indian Premier League, Ambati Rayudu also contributed immensely with his cameo of 19 runs in 8 balls. It was a rain-curtailed game after the first inning. 

Gujarat Titans smashed 214 runs with the help of young Sai Sudarshan’s 96 runs knock in 47 balls. Along with Sai, Wriddhiman Saha also had a brilliant game with the bat and scored 54 runs. Titans had a great innings after getting the invitation to bat first from CSK captain MS Dhoni. As soon as the CSK chase began, rain came pouring down at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. After the rain break, CSK’s target was revised to 171 runs in 15 overs from 215. CSK openers had a great start and added 74 runs in the first 6 overs. As CSK were cruising, Mohit Sharma picked up two in two in the 13th over, this brought the Titans back in the game but Ravindra Jadeja (15*) in the last two balls was magical. 

Ravindra Jadeja reveals his plan in the last over

CSK all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said he was trying to keep himself calm and was just thinking to smash the ball as hard as he can. Jadeja said, “I was just thinking I need to swing hard, as much as I can. Where the ball will go I was not thinking about that, just looking to swing hard. I was backing myself and looking to hit straight because I knew Mohit can bowl slower balls”. Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated Chennai’s title win in the IPL 2023 to Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu said, “It’s a fairytale finish, I couldn’t have asked for more. I am fortunate to have played in great sides. I can smile for the rest of my life”. 

Hardik Pandya happy to lose to MS Dhoni

Gujarat Titans fought hard to secure their second consecutive IPL title, but CSK all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja had few other plans in store. Jadeja with 10 runs in the last 2 balls snatched the IPL title from Hardik Pandya’s hand. After the game Titans skipper Hardik Pandya said, “I think we tick a lot of boxes as a team, We play with a lot of heart, really proud of the way we kept fighting, We have a motto, We win together and we lose together”. Talking about MS Dhoni, Pandya said, “I am very happy for him, destiny had this written. If I had to lose I would rather lose to him”. Pandya has earned praise from everyone for his role as captain. 

Shubman Gill wins the Orange Cap

Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill was the winner of the orange cap with 890 runs in 17 games for his team. Shubman Gill smashed three centuries in the IPL 2023. Two of them came in the last 5 games. He knocked down RCB and Mumbai Indians with his innings. He was extremely happy and satisfied with his performance, he said, “It means a lot, my hard work is going in the right direction. We couldn’t win the final. But it was one hell of a game… I started well, was getting 40s and 50s and at the end of the tournament I converted them into big ones”. 

Mohammed Shami bagged the Purple Cap

Purple Cap saw a tough battle between three players from Gujarat Titans. Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, and Mohit Sharma. Pacer Mohammed Shami won the purple cap with 28 wickets in 17 games. Shami was brilliant with his bowling throughout the season in the power play. He said, “It is always enjoyable for the viewers (Bowling in the powerplay), but difficult to execute. Only two fielders allowed outside, lots of responsibility but that was my job in the team”. He further added if the bowlers are bowling in the right area, they will get the rewards. 

Devon Conway awarded Player of the final match

Chennai Super Kings opener Devon Conway was awarded Player of the Match award for his aggressive start after the rain break. Conway smashed 47 runs in 25 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes. Talking about his performance he said, “It was a long time to wait and nervous for a long period. Rutu and I talked about doing our thing… Personally, for me, this is the biggest win that I had in my career. Being part of the CSK and the fans, it was special. I have got to give a lot of credit to Mike Hussey, and nice to be in those shoes”. Devon Conway finished among the top 5 leading run-scorers in the IPL 2023. Conway smashed 672 runs in 16 games for Chennai Super Kings. He was consistent with the bat.