IPL Final Rescheduled to Reserve Day as Rain Disrupts Clash Between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. Unforeseen heavy rain and thunderstorms in Ahmedabad on Sunday have compelled the Indian Premier League final between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings to be moved to a reserve day, marking the first time such a shift has occurred in the history of the tournament.

The downpour started 35 minutes before the toss and continued for over two hours and 40 minutes, raising hopes that the game could commence at the grandest cricket stadium in the world.

However, a second wave of rainfall thwarted any chances of play, leading to disappointment among the thousands of fans seeking shelter in the covered sections of the colossal 132,000-seater stadium.

As officials called off the day’s play, the waterlogged ground presented a disheartening sight, and a message displayed on the giant screen urged fans to “please keep your physical tickets safe!”

The IPL final will now take place on Monday, marking the tournament’s first-ever utilization of a reserve day in its 16-year history.

The weather department in Ahmedabad has forecasted a slim (10 percent) chance of evening rain on Monday as well.

This match holds significant meaning as it is widely believed to be the last for Chennai’s captain, M. S. Dhoni, who has garnered immense admiration throughout his illustrious career. Fans arrived in large numbers wearing the yellow jersey, synonymous with the legendary cricketer.

Chennai Super Kings will be vying for a record-equalling fifth title, aiming to match the accomplishments of IPL powerhouse Mumbai Indians, led by the versatile Indian captain Rohit Sharma.

Dhoni has successfully led his team to their 10th IPL final, boasting four championship victories and five runner-up finishes.

Gujarat Titans, under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, have continued their remarkable journey, which began with a title triumph in their debut season at the same venue last year.

Since its inception in 2008, the T20 competition has evolved into the world’s most lucrative cricket tournament, generating substantial revenue for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The IPL 2023 season is set to conclude with a thrilling showdown that mirrors its opening match. The grand finale will take place at the prestigious Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Gujarat Titans (GT) will once again face off. Despite being Gujarat’s home ground, it will be fascinating to observe the level of support each team receives from the passionate crowd.

Based on past observations, the stadium is expected to be dominated by a sea of yellow, symbolizing the ardent CSK fans. A victory for CSK tonight would secure their fifth IPL title, while Gujarat will be determined to clinch their second title after their triumph in the previous edition.

The four teams that successfully reached the playoffs in the IPL were Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants.

In the playoffs, Chennai Super Kings triumphed over Gujarat Titans to secure a place in the finals.

Subsequently, Mumbai Indians defeated Lucknow Super Giants, setting up a clash with Gujarat Titans for the final spot.

Gujarat Titans showcased an exceptional batting performance, led by the in-form Shubman Gill who scored a magnificent century. Their impressive batting display resulted in a massive total of 233/3 on the scoreboard, ultimately leading them to a convincing victory by 62 runs.

In a thrilling encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Shubman Gill of the Gujarat Titans (GT) showcased his batting prowess, leading his team to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday (May 21).

With GT needing six runs to win off the final over, the right-handed batsman unleashed a powerful six off the bowling of Wayne Parnell, securing the win for his team. This remarkable shot also marked Gill’s second consecutive century in the IPL.

Gill’s unbeaten knock of 104 off just 52 deliveries, at an astonishing strike rate of 200, included an impressive display of eight sixes and five boundaries. His exceptional partnership of 123 runs with Vijay Shankar proved crucial in overcoming a challenging target of 198, after GT found themselves at 25-1 early in their innings.

With this century, the young talent from Punjab joins the elite group of Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Jos Buttler as the only players to achieve consecutive centuries in the IPL.

In the previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gill had scored an impressive 101 runs off 58 balls, leading GT to a commanding victory by 34 runs.

For those who may not be aware, Gill has been in sensational form throughout IPL 2023. In 14 matches, the 23-year-old has amassed a remarkable total of 680 runs at a strike rate of 152.46. This includes two centuries and four half-centuries. Gill’s exceptional form will be crucial as GT aims to defend their IPL title in consecutive seasons.