In a breathtaking finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Ravindra Jadeja played the role of the ultimate match-winner as he give the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) their fifth IPL title.
With 10 runs needed off the last two balls, Jadeja delivered a stunning six and a four, securing a memorable victory by five wickets over the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, through the DLS Method.
Earlier in the rain-shortened final, the Gujarat Titans had set an imposing target of 214/4 in 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan displayed a scintillating batting performance, falling just short of a century with his brilliant 96 off 47 deliveries.
Supported by Wriddhiman Saha’s well-compiled 54 off 39 balls and Shubman Gill’s quickfire 39 off 20, the Titans seemed to have set an insurmountable challenge for CSK.
However, the chase began in electrifying fashion as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway launched a blistering assault. Gaikwad kick-started the innings with an elegant square drive for four, displaying his prowess from the third ball. Unfortunately, rain interrupted play and the match was reduced to 15 overs, with CSK handed a revised target of 171 runs.
When play resumed, Gaikwad continued his onslaught, adding another boundary to his name. Conway joined the party with a six over extra cover and a four to fine leg, setting the tone for the chase. The CSK openers dominated the Powerplay, accumulating 52 runs without losing a wicket.
Despite Noor Ahmad’s breakthroughs, dismissing Gaikwad and Conway, the momentum swung in CSK’s favor when Ajinkya Rahane displayed his class with two stunning sixes off Josh Little. However, Noor Ahmad’s tight bowling figures of 2 for 17 kept the contest balanced.
Mohit Sharma’s crucial wicket of Rahane provided Gujarat Titans with a glimmer of hope. With 53 runs required from 24 balls, the game became a roller-coaster ride. Rashid Khan’s economical over was countered by Shivam Dube’s consecutive sixes, swinging the pendulum back in CSK’s favor.
Ambati Rayudu joined the party with a six and a four before falling victim to Mohit’s brilliant catch and bowled dismissal. Mohit continued his heroics by claiming the prized scalp of MS Dhoni on the next ball.
With 21 runs needed off 12 deliveries, CSK’s task seemed daunting. However, Hardik Pandya and Shami displayed excellent bowling in the penultimate overs, leaving CSK with 13 runs to win in the final over. Mohit tightened the screws with four yorkers, conceding only three runs. The match seemed destined for a tie.
In an incredible turn of events, Mohit faltered on the penultimate delivery, delivering a low full toss down the leg side. Jadeja seized the opportunity, smashing a six-over long-on.
With four runs needed from the final ball, Mohit erred again, offering a low full toss that Jadeja promptly dispatched to the fine-leg boundary, sparking wild celebrations among the CSK contingent.
With this victory, Chennai Super Kings clinched their fifth IPL title, etching their name in the book of cricket history. The team’s resilience and determination throughout the tournament were aptly rewarded, making this a memorable campaign for the CSK supporters.
Also Read: Watch: Gujarat Titans Players Share Light-Hearted Moment During Rain-Spoiler IPL 2023 Final
