The IPL 2023 final was nothing short of a spectacle, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerging victorious in a rain-affected thriller against Gujarat Titans (GT).
Ravindra Jadeja’s last-ball four secured CSK’s fifth title, drawing them level with Mumbai Indians.
For more details on the match, keep reading on BRG365.
Rain Affected IPL 2023 Final
The IPL 2023 final was initially scheduled for May 28 but was delayed due to rain, pushing the match to the reserve day on May 29.
GT set a daunting target of 215, scoring 214/4 in their 20 overs, thanks to B Sai Sudharsan's explosive 96 off 47 balls.
However, the rain delay meant that CSK's chase was reduced to 15 overs, and they needed 171 to win under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Key Moments in the IPL 2023 Final
Gujarat Titans set a strong total of 214/4, with Sai Sudharsan scoring 96.
Due to rain, CSK’s chase was reduced to 171 off 15 overs.
In the final moments, CSK needed 10 runs from the last two balls. Mohit Sharma, who had been impressive, made two crucial mistakes.
Following the DLS method, Jadeja calmly hit a six and a four to secure the win.
Despite being dismissed for a duck, MS Dhoni’s leadership remained vital.
His calm demeanor and trust in his players were key to CSK’s victory, making the final one of the most thrilling in IPL history.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Boundaries | Strike Rate |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 26 | 11 | 1 Six, 1 Four | 236.36 |
| Devon Conway | 47 | 25 | 5 Boundaries | 188 |
| Shivam Dube | 32* | 22 | 1 Six, 1 Four | 145.45 |
Jadeja's Heroics
CSK's chase seemed perilous after losing key wickets, including their captain MS Dhoni, who was dismissed for a duck.
Yet, in the match's dying moments, Jadeja turned the game on its head.
Needing 10 runs from 2 balls, he smashed Mohit Sharma for a six and a four, sealing the victory with a final-ball boundary.
Jadeja’s stunning finish brought CSK’s total to 171/5, ensuring they won by five wickets via DLS, much to the delight of their loyal fanbase.
Dhoni’s Farewell Moment
While Jadeja was the hero, the final also carried a sense of nostalgia for MS Dhoni, whose IPL future was a hot topic before the game.
At 42, Dhoni’s potential retirement had fans on edge, and his duck in the final seemed like a sad farewell moment.
However, his emotional embrace of Jadeja after the win hinted at a possible return for another season.
“The easy thing would be to walk away, but the harder thing would be working hard for another year,” Dhoni said post-match.
Rain Delay and Its Impact
The rain delay added an extra layer of drama to an already intense final.
With nearly three hours lost, the CSK batsmen had to restart their chase in the early hours of the morning.
Despite the challenging circumstances, players like Conway and Dube held their ground, keeping the chase alive before Jadeja’s final fireworks.
The IPL 2023 final will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in history.
Commercial Impact
The IPL 2023 final not only captivated millions of fans but also achieved significant commercial success.
CSK’s thrilling win boosted engagement across social media, with brands quick to tap into the excitement for advertising.
The match’s global reach drew viewers from around the world, benefiting sponsors with high visibility.
The IPL’s growing influence has made it one of the most profitable sports leagues globally.
CSK’s remarkable chase, coupled with Jadeja’s last-ball heroics, solidified their place as one of the greatest IPL teams.
As for Dhoni, whether this was his final match or not, the victory undoubtedly marks another iconic chapter in his illustrious career.
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