The 2023 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) came to an end on Monday (May 29), with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets (DLS method) to clinch the title for the fifth time.
In a rain-marred affair at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Titans piled up a mammoth 214/4 in their allotted 20 overs on the back of half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan (96 off 47) and Wriddhiman Saha (54 off 39).
Chasing the revised target of 171 in 15 overs, CSK got over the line on the final delivery. While Ruturaj Gaikwad (26) and Devon Conway (47) led the foundation with a 74-run opening stand, Shivam Dube (32* off 21) and Ravindra Jadeja (15* off 6) stayed unbeaten to take the team home.
Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane also chipped in with a handy contribution of 13-ball 27 in the all-important final. In fact, Rahane was one of the star performers with the bat for CSK this season, scoring 326 runs from 11 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 172.48 with two half-centuries.
After the title win, Rahane credited the CSK management and skipper MS Dhoni for constantly backing him.
“Credit goes to CSK management and Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni). They said they would back me completely if I got an opportunity, and told me what my role was before the season. They did not interfere at all, and the freedom that CSK gives is massive,” Rahane said while speaking to the broadcaster.
Ambati Rayudu too returned with an important cameo during the chase. It was Rayudu’s farewell IPL match and he scored 19 off 8 balls with 1 four and 2 sixes.
Lauding Rayudu, Rahane said: “(He is a) Great character to have, very intense, very hard-working, a great team man, I would say. The knock he played today was really, really special. Very happy for him.”
All-rounder Moeen Ali was also elated after winning his second IPL title with CSK.
“Voice has gone already. Amazing feeling. To beat such a good side on a wicket like that was amazing,” Moeen said in the post-match interview.
He concluded by praising CSK’s legendary captain MS Dhoni. “You’re always learning from MS, just about how you deal with players and different situations."
