The IPL 2023 final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was played over three days. While incessant rain abandoned the final on the original date of May 28, it played spoilsport for quite a while on reserve day as well.
In a dramatic turn of events, rain interrupted the match when CSK were 4/0 off 3 balls while chasing the 215-run target. After rain halted the game for a considerable period, the MS Dhoni-led side was given a revised target of 171 in 15 overs.
As a result, the match went late into the night, finishing around 1:30 AM IST and it was the third day of the final to be precise.
No wonder, the players found it hard to stay awake and CSK opener Devon Conway had several cups of tea and a can of Red Bull to keep himself alert.
“Very unique - an emotional rollercoaster," Conway told ESPNcricinfo while sharing his experience of playing in the IPL 2023 final.
“I had many cups of chai just to keep myself going that late at night when we were all waiting during the rain break, not knowing how many overs we’d get in our chase. It was a little unsettling. Just before going in to bat, Mike Hussey (batting coach) told me, ‘Mate, think you want a can of Red bull to stay awake?’ It was hard to stay mentally switched on, given how late it was. So I had a can of Redbull to get sharp and awake again. It ensured I was switched on from the first ball."
The drinks did wonders for Conway, who slammed 25-ball 47 to help CSK clinch a record-equalling fifth IPL title. The Kiwi was also adjudged Player-of-the-Match.
“It was actually quite cool to finish the game that way, because we’d never experienced something like that. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) hitting ten off two to win it the way he did made it even more exciting and the boys went on to celebrate the win well into the night and early morning," he said.
Conway also revealed that the celebrations in the CSK camp went on till morning and several players ended up missing their flights.
“It was crazy. A number of the players missed their flights. Moeen Ali and family postponed their travel by a day. Eric Simons (bowling consultant) cancelled his flight. Dwaine Pretorius also missed his flight; only his family somehow managed to get there in time. We all sat around in the team room and celebrated till about 9am in the morning, soaking in the highs and lows. MS Dhoni was right in the middle of it all. We all had a great time before some went straight to breakfast and others went to bed," he stated.
