IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans, Final - Talking Points and Who Said What?

MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scripted history as they clinched their record-equalling fifth title after triumphing over defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the last-ball thriller at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Titans posted a mammoth 214 runs in the first innings courtesy of belligerent knocks by Sai Sudharsan and Wriddhiman Saha. However, with the DLS coming into the picture after a long wait due to the rain, Chennai eventually chased down the revised total of 171 in a final-ball thriller in the high-voltage match.

Here are the Talking Points from the CSK vs GT clash-

Sudharsan-Saha’s breath-taking innings helps Titans post humongous total

The Titans were handed a solid start by the opening duo of Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill, as they got 67 runs for the first wicket. Following Gill’s dismissal of 39 runs, Sai Sudharsan took the onus and rose to the occasion for the defend champions along with Saha, as they raised a 64-run partnership between them.

Sudarshan fired six sixes and eight fours in his scintillating 96 off 47 balls at a marvellous strike rate of 204.25. Saha, on the other hand, cracked 54 runs off 39 balls which featured five fours and one maximum. The Titans were further aided by skipper Hardik Pandya as he smoked an unbeaten 21 off 12 balls to help attain 214 runs.

CSK remain steady in chase after DLS comes into picture

As the rain gods made their presence felt, fans and the players had a three-hour-long wait before the match officials handed the green signal to resume the game. With 171 required after DLS came into picture, the opening duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway swiftly hit the ground running and added 74 runs between them. Despite Noor Ahmad getting the prized scalps of Gaikwad and Conway, the middle order batters operated in tandem to help CSK get close to the target.  

Ravindra Jadeja proves his mettle despite Mohit Sharma’s fightback

In the middle-order, Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 13 balls) and Ambati Rayudu (19 off eight balls) played quick cameos before departing. However, it was Mohit Sharma’s sensational fightback as he got two wickets on the trot in a single over, dismissing Rayudu and legendary skipper MS Dhoni to put the pressure back on the yellow outfit. As the match went down to the wire, with 10 required off the last two balls, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja showed nerves of steel and hammered a maximum and a boundary, respectively, to win it for his side. In the process, MS Dhoni’s Super Kings clinched their fifth title, joint-most with Mumbai Indians in the history of the IPL.

Winning captain, MS Dhoni said-

Looking for an answer? This is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for 9 months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body. You do get emotional, the first game at CSK everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this. I think they love me for what I am, they love that I am so grounded, I don't try to portray something I'm not. Just keep it simple. Every trophy is special, but what is special about IPL is every crunch game you need to be ready. There were lapses today, the bowling department didn't work, but it was the batting department that took the pressure off them today. I do get frustrated, it is human but I try to step into their shoes, every individual deals with pressure differently. Ajinkya and a few others are experienced, so you don't worry. If anyone is confused, then can always ask. The special thing about Rayudu is he will always give his 100% when he is on his field. But with him in the team, I will never win the fairplay award.

Losing captain, Hardik Pandya said-

I think we tick a lot of boxes and we play with our heart. We've always been a team that has stood together and no one gave up. We win together and we lose together. Maybe one of those games today. I mean, I'm not one of those guys who makes excuses. Special mention to Sai as well. CSK played better cricket. Sai is going to do wonders in his life. Yeah, I mean really happy for the guys. We've been backing them and their success has been their success. Mohit, Shami, Rashid everyone…the way they put their hand up. Special mention to the coaching staff as well. I can't ask anything more from them. I'm very happy for him [Dhoni]. Destiny had this written for him. If I had to lose, I don't mind losing to him. Good things happen to good people.

Player of the Match, Devon Conway said-

It was a long time to wait and nervous for a long period. Rutu and I talked about doing our thing. Personally for me, the biggest win that I've had in my career. Being part of CSK and the fans..it was special. I've got to give a lot of credit to Mike Hussey and nice to be in those shoes.

Orange Cap Winner, Most Valuable Player (MVP) of IPL 2023, Shubman Gill said-

Means a lot. The hard work that I've put in is going in the right direction for me. I think it was very important to start well and I started well. By the business end of the tournament, I converted the starts into big ones. I practiced a lot of [sixes] and I changed my technique a little bit for the death. The SRH hundred was about control and the MI was knowing the situation and taking on the opposition. For any batsman, it was important to anticipate and I did that

Purple Cap Winner, Mohammed Shami said-

It is always enjoyable for the viewers, but difficult to execute. Only two fielders allowed outside, lots of responsibility but that's my role in the team. If you are bowling in the right areas, you will get rewards - be in red ball or white ball.