In a rain-affected final that extended past 1:30 am local time on Tuesday, after a washout on Sunday, Chennai successfully chased down a revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs with five wickets remaining. Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role by hitting a six and a four off the final two deliveries. The chase was initially led by New Zealand’s Devon Conway, who scored a rapid 47 off 25 balls, supported by contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (27) and Shivam Dube, who remained unbeaten on 32. Despite Mohit Sharma bowling four excellent balls in the final over, Jadeja’s match-winning shots triggered exuberant celebrations at the largest cricket stadium in the world.

In the aftermath of the victory, a reflective Dhoni contemplated retirement but ultimately decided to work hard for another IPL season. At the age of 41, he acknowledged the overwhelming love he received from fans and the emotional atmosphere during matches, particularly at CSK’s home ground. Dhoni expressed his gratitude to the supporters and revealed his intention to continue playing, recognizing that it would be a challenging endeavor physically.

Chennai’s fifth title win in the IPL brought them on par with the Mumbai Indians in terms of the most championships secured. Throughout the season, Dhoni continued to attract massive crowds, and in the final, over 80,000 fans cheered for the veteran cricketer. Dhoni’s personal performance in the final was disappointing as he was dismissed for a first-ball duck, leading to a stunned silence. However, he had the last laugh as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings, securing victory in his tenth appearance in an IPL final.

Ambati Rayudu, who had announced his retirement prior to the final, made a valuable contribution of 19 runs off eight balls in his last match. Rain interrupted the game when Chennai had just begun their innings, but after a delay of about 15 minutes, the groundstaff worked diligently for over two hours to prepare the field for play.

Gujarat, last year’s debut season champions and table-toppers in the current edition, were led by Sai Sudharsan’s spectacular knock of 96 off 47 balls, propelling them to a total of 214-4. Despite their efforts, Gujarat fell short in the final. Hardik Pandya, the team’s captain, praised his team’s resilience and team spirit, emphasizing their motto of sticking together through victories and defeats.

Shubman Gill, Gujarat’s in-form opener, was awarded the orange cap as the leading batsman of the tournament, having scored 890 runs. Mohammed Shami, Gujarat’s pace spearhead, earned the purple cap as the tournament’s top bowler, claiming 28 wickets, closely followed by Mohit Sharma and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, each with 27 wickets.

Gill, coming off a remarkable season with his third century, was given a lifeline when Deepak Chahar dropped a straightforward catch off the bowling of Tushar Deshpande. Gill capitalized on the opportunity by hitting three consecutive boundaries in the following over. However, his aggressive innings was halted by Dhoni’s lightning-quick stumping off Jadeja. Gill’s opening partner, Wriddhiman Saha, contributed 54 runs and shared a 64-run partnership with Sudharsan, who took charge after Saha’s dismissal.

In a thrilling showdown against the Gujarat Titans, Ravindra Jadeja’s powerful hitting in the final moments secured victory for the Chennai Super Kings, granting them their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) championship—tying with the Mumbai Indians’ record.

With the match extended to a reserve day in Ahmedabad due to rain, Chennai successfully chased down their revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs, comfortably clinching the win with five wickets to spare. New Zealand’s Devon Conway led the charge with an impressive 47 off just 25 balls, supported by valuable contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (27) and Shivam Dube (unbeaten at 32). However, it was Jadeja’s heroics that ultimately stole the show.

Heading into the final over, Chennai needed 13 runs for victory. Mohit Sharma bowled four excellent deliveries, increasing the pressure. Nevertheless, Jadeja remained composed and unleashed a six and a four off the last two balls, sealing the triumph and igniting exuberant celebrations at the world’s largest cricket stadium.

This victory marked Chennai’s fifth IPL title, allowing them to equal Mumbai’s impressive record. Throughout the season, Chennai’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni continued to captivate large crowds in every match. In the final, over 80,000 fans rallied behind the veteran cricketer, who hinted that he would make a decision regarding his future later in the year.

Unfortunately, Dhoni’s personal performance in the final was short-lived, as he was dismissed for a first-ball duck, leaving the crowd stunned. However, in his tenth appearance in the IPL final as Chennai’s captain, he had the last laugh.

The match was briefly interrupted by rain when Chennai had just scored four runs without any loss after three balls. Following a 15-minute downpour, the ground staff worked tirelessly for over two hours to prepare the field for play, ensuring a thrilling conclusion.

Earlier in the match, Gujarat’s Sai Sudharsan played a scintillating innings, smashing 96 runs off 47 balls. Last year’s debut champions in the IPL, Gujarat had an exceptional season, topping the table. Shubman Gill, in top form after his third century of the season in the playoffs, contributed a quickfire 39 runs. However, he received a lucky break when Deepak Chahar dropped a straightforward catch off Tushar Deshpande’s delivery. Gill capitalized on the opportunity, hitting three consecutive boundaries in the next over, before eventually falling victim to Jadeja’s excellent glovework.

Wriddhiman Saha, Gujarat’s opening partner, also played a pivotal role, scoring 54 runs and forming a solid 64-run partnership with Sudharsan, who assumed responsibility after Saha’s departure.

CSK secures another championship title! In a rain-shortened match reduced to 15 overs, CSK’s opening duo of Ruturaj and Devon Conway provided a solid start once again. Conway displayed his aggression early on, taking on Shami and Hardik during the powerplay. The introduction of Noor Ahmad brought breakthroughs for the opposing team, as he dismissed both openers in the same over. The scoring rate seemed to slow down, but then Ajinkya Rahane took the stage and struck two magnificent sixes off Josh Little. He followed it up with two boundaries against Rashid, while his partner Dube struggled with his timing. However, Dube found his rhythm in the final over by Rashid Khan, hitting two crucial sixes and bringing CSK back into the contest. Rayudu emerged as the next hero for CSK, successfully reading Mohit Sharma’s slower deliveries and dispatching them over the boundary ropes. After Rayudu’s dismissal, Dhoni departed on the first ball he faced. In the ultimate over, Mohit Sharma executed almost perfect yorkers. But it was Sir Jadeja who had the last laugh, sealing the victory for CSK with a six and a four, forever etching his name in CSK folklore.

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League is reaching its conclusion as Chennai Super Kings aim to secure their record-equalling fifth title against defending champions Gujarat Titans.

Originally scheduled for Sunday, the final was postponed to the reserve day due to heavy rain and thunderstorms in Ahmedabad.

Let’s take a closer look at the standout moments and disappointments from the 2023 season in the world’s most lucrative cricket tournament.

Gill Shines Bright

Shubman Gill, previously criticized for his slow approach in T20 cricket, has transformed himself across formats. In this IPL, he emerged as the top scorer with 851 runs and counting, as he is set to play in the final. Gill’s three centuries, including a match-winning 129 off 60 balls against Mumbai, have garnered praise from former Indian captain Kapil Dev. However, Dev suggests giving Gill another season before making grand comparisons to legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli.

Baby Malinga’s Impact

Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana excelled during the tournament, taking 17 wickets for Chennai Super Kings. With a slinging action reminiscent of his hero Lasith Malinga, he showcased a knack for bowling yorkers. Pathirana, dubbed “Baby Malinga,” made his mark as a key player in Chennai’s death bowling. Captain M.S. Dhoni hailed the 20-year-old as “special.”

Rinku Singh, the Chase-master

Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Rinku Singh became an overnight sensation with his match-winning display, hitting five sixes off the final five balls in an incredible chase against Gujarat. His unbeaten 21-ball 48 was no fluke, as he registered four half-centuries and mastered the art of finishing games. Despite his impressive performances, Kolkata failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Curran’s Underwhelming Season

England’s World Cup-winning all-rounder Sam Curran failed to live up to expectations after Punjab Kings splurged $2.23 million on him, making him the most expensive buy in IPL history. With 276 runs and 10 wickets, Curran’s performances were lackluster, contributing to Punjab’s disappointing eighth-place finish. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag criticized the investment, questioning Curran’s impact on the team.

Unimpressive Shaw

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw, once compared to Sachin Tendulkar, endured a forgettable season with only 106 runs in eight matches. Struggling against quality seam bowling, Shaw lost his place in the XI midway through the tournament. Coach Ricky Ponting acknowledged the 23-year-old’s failure to live up to expectations, mirroring Delhi’s disappointing campaign, which saw them finish ninth in the table.

Brook’s Mixed Performance

England’s Harry Brook, despite scoring the first century of the season, failed to make a significant impact. Signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for $1.6 million, Brook managed only 90 runs in 10 matches, excluding his unbeaten century against Kolkata. Hyderabad dropped the 24-year-old for three matches, but their overall performance left them with the wooden spoon in the 10-team table. Brook’s post-century comments on social media were met with backlash from Indian trolls.

As an uncapped player, Jaiswal captivated everyone’s attention with his exceptional shot selection and ability to find gaps in the field. His impact was so significant that it momentarily shifted the focus away from the struggling star opener Jos Buttler. During an interview on JioCinema, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player AB de Villiers expressed his admiration for Jaiswal and named him as his favorite player of IPL 2023.

“For me, it’s Yashasvi Jaiswal, by a significant margin. He is a young player who possesses an extensive range of shots. His composed and calm temperament at the crease impresses me, and I appreciate his ability to dominate the bowlers while maintaining control,” de Villiers stated. “Shubman Gill is a bit older, but I believe Jaiswal has a long way to go, and he possesses all the qualities to become a great player,” he further added.

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 match will see Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings pitted against reigning champions Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, with Chennai aiming to secure their fifth title, thus matching a record in the high-stakes T20 tournament.

However, Gujarat, led by Hardik Pandya, will pose a formidable challenge in their home stadium as they strive to retain the title following their remarkable debut-season triumph a year ago.

In 2022, Pandya hoisted the trophy in front of a staggering 101,566 fans at the 132,000-capacity stadium, setting a new world record for a T20 cricket match. Organizers are confident that this record will be shattered on Sunday evening.

An official from the state association informed AFP that “tickets for the grand finale have been completely sold out, and we expect a packed stadium.”

While the playoff final was also expected to draw a capacity crowd, only around 75,000 fans attended the Friday match when Gujarat dominated the Mumbai Indians.

Eager supporters were seen in high spirits on Saturday as they lined up to collect their online tickets from a counter outside the stadium.

Suresh Babu, a software engineer who traveled all the way from Chennai, expressed his excitement, stating, “I have come here to witness Dhoni lift the trophy once more. It might be his last appearance, but we hope he returns next year.” The 43-year-old proudly sported Dhoni’s iconic yellow Chennai jersey.

In their second season in the tournament, Gujarat has enjoyed tremendous home support. However, allegiances will be divided due to Dhoni’s presence.

The 41-year-old continues to captivate cricket-crazy India, and it is widely believed that the final will be his swansong, despite the wicketkeeper-batsman stating that he will make a decision regarding his IPL future later this year.

Throughout the current season, the former Indian captain has drawn massive crowds in stadiums across the country, and the Narendra Modi Stadium will be no exception in the tournament’s climax.

Sharif, a T-shirt vendor who goes by a single name, remarked to AFP, “Last year, it was only Pandya jerseys that sold like hotcakes, but this time, Dhoni’s Chennai number 7 T-shirt is equally in demand.”

A young fan sporting a Pandya jersey expressed his wishes, saying, “I want Hardik to win the IPL again, but I also want to see Dhoni smash a six with his signature helicopter shot.”

That helicopter shot, a unique bottom-handed wrist flick, became Dhoni’s trademark during his heyday.

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 their earlier encounter ongoing tournament, Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 15 runs. Batting first in the match CSK posted a total of 172 runs on the scoreboard. Later, Gujarat Titans couldn’t reach the target and lost this match.

Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in their previous game (Qualifier 1) of the IPL 2023. In the match, CSK batted first and scored 172 runs losing 7 wickets. In reply, Gujarat Titans failed to reach the score and lost the match. Shubman Gill slammed 42 runs while Rashid Khan had 30 runs for the Gujarat team. Mohammed Shami & Mohit Sharma took 2 wickets each for the Gujarat Titans in this match.

For Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway hit 60 and 40 respectively. Ruturaj Gaikwad was awarded man of the match. 4 CSK bowlers took 2 wickets each for the Chennai team. Chennai Super Kings won by 15 run in this match.

Gujarat Titans defeated Mumbai Indians in their previous game of the IPL 2023. In the match, GT batted first and scored 233 runs losing 3 wickets. In reply, Mumbai Indians failed to reach the score and lost the match. Suryakumar Yadav slammed 63 runs while Tilak Varma had 43 runs for the Mumbai team.

For Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan hit 129 and 43 respectively. Shubman Gill was awarded man of the match. Mohit Sharma took 5 wickets for the Gujarat team. Gujarat Titans beat Mumbai Indians by a huge margin of runs (62 runs).