The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) turned out to be a thrilling encounter that stretched over three days due to incessant rain. Despite the interruptions, the match provided many breathtaking performances and culminated in a nail-biting finish.
Rain interrupted the game on the original date. On the second day, CSK were 4/0 off three balls in their chase of the 215-run target when play was again halted for some time due to rain. The match resumed after a considerable delay, and CSK got a revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs. The game extended late into the night, eventually finishing on the third day of the final.
Devon Conway, the CSK opener, played a sensational knock at the top of the order, setting the tone for his team. With the adjusted target, he played aggressively and contributed a quickfire 47 runs. His innings ensured that CSK started their chase on a high note.
Things were looking difficult for CSK as ten runs were needed in the last two balls. But Ravindra Jadeja kept his nerves under control, hitting a six on the penultimate ball, and then guiding the ball the boundary for four runs on the final ball. This resulted in the victory of CSK by five wickets.
Conway revealed that he had to maintain his mental focus during the rain delays. He mentioned that CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey advised him to have a can of ‘Red Bull’ to stay energized before stepping onto the field.
“Very unique (three-day match) – an emotional rollercoaster. 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 Redbull 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,” Conway was quoted as saying to Espncricinfo.
Conway’s performance throughout the tournament was exceptional, as he emerged as the leading run-scorer for CSK. In 16 matches, he scored 672 runs with a strike rate of 139.70, including six half-centuries.
CSK’s triumph in the IPL 2023 final was a result of their magnificent batting effort, which allowed them to win the game on the last ball. Their victory over the defending champions, GT, by five wickets added another glorious chapter to CSK’s IPL legacy and provided fans with a memorable moment to cherish.
