IPL 2023 Final Highlights, CSK vs GT: Jadeja Finishes Off In Style As CSK Lift 5th IPL Title

Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to lift the IPL title for the 5th time.

SIX!!! Jadeja you absolute match-winner! 4 required off the final ball. 

1 run taken. Mohit Sharma bowls his 4th consecutive yorker. Jadeja back on strike. 10 required off 2 balls.

1 run taken. Dube back on strike. 11 required off 3 balls.

1 run taken. Jadeja on strike. 12 required off 4 balls.

DOT BALL!!! 13 required off 5 balls.

13 needed off the final over. IF CSK achieve this, they will lift the title for 5th time. What an IPL final this is turning out to be. 

A comeback of epic proportions from Mohit Sharma. You can't discount him in a T20 match. He takes Dhoni and Rayudu in quick succession to balance it out. CSK need 21 off 10 balls.

16 runs off the first 3 balls. AMBATI RAYUDU!! You absolute legend off the game. Mohit Sharma has been taken to cleaners in the first three balls. Can he make a comeback? He does. Rayudu departs after a little ripper. AND WHO IS MAKING THE ENTRANCE!! It is MS DHONI!!!!! CSK need 22 off 14 balls.

Shivam Dube finally comes to the party. Rashid Khan almost got away with a brilliant over, however, Dube had other plans. He smoked last two balls of the over for two gigantic sixes. CSK need 38 off 18 balls. 

OUT! Mohit Sharma has been brilliant in the over as he picks up Ajinkya Rahane with a barrage of slower deliveries. He kept testing the patience and Rahane just fell into the trap. Brilliant innings considering the situation. CSK need 53 off 24 balls. Ambati Rayudu is the new batter in.

Shivam Dube is unable to pick his spot in the chase. Rahane also missed out against Noor Ahmed who was excellent in his 3-over spell. Rashid Khan comes back for his 2nd over. CSK need 68 off 33 balls.

Ajinkya Rahane - the enforcer-in-chief for Chennai Super Kings this season. He has played two of the most exquisite shots in the little innings till now. CSK managing the required run-rate well as they need 77 off 42 balls.

One brings two... Devon Conway mistimes one and the long-on fielder Mohit Sharma takes it like it was the easiest catch in the world. CSK need 93 off 48 balls.

Gujarat's blue-eyed boy Noor Ahmed picks up Ruturaj Gaikwad as GT inflict first casualty in chase. Shivam Dube is the new batter in. Certainly need some big sixes here from the big man. CSK need 96 off 50 balls.

The powerplay has been utilized well by both the opeers. Conway has played with a slightly better strike rate. Joshua Little comes in to bowl the 6th over. CSK need 108 off 57 balls.

This chase will depend a lot on the way how CSK batters play Rashid Khan in the chase. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway have taken 16 off the first over from Afghanistan leg-spinner. 

So far, the start has been blistering from Chennai Super Kings in the chase. Both Conway and Gaikwad have been excellent in the shot selection.

As per the revised playing conditions, MS Dhoni-led CSK will chase 171 runs in 15 overs to clinch their record-equalling fifth title. The wet outfield caused an interruption in Chennai's chase after heavy rainfall begin following the innings break. The game will resume at 12:10 AM IST. 

Both umpires are in the middle to access the wet outfield to decide the proceedings of the IPL summit clash after wet outfield causes delay in Chennai's chase. 

Umpires will inspect the ground at 11:30 PM. It is still 45 minutes before we start losing overs in the match. There are many animated conversations in the center, and the majority of them seem to be about that soggy practice pitch. Still it definitely looks a lot better than it did 20 minutes ago.

Par scores for CSK at end of 5th over:

43/0
49/1
56/2
65/3
77/4
94/5

Covers are coming off at the moment at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. Players and support staff from both sides are in the middle to check the pitch and outfield. Super Soppers are in the middle to get the outfield ready as soon as possible. 

CSK need 211 needed 117 balls.

After a brief spell of rain, the covers are getting off as the downpour stops. We can expect the second innings to go ahead soon.   

14 runs and two wickets for Pathirana in the last over. Gujarat Titans finish for 214/4 in 20 overs after Sudharshan and Saha show muscle in the summit clash.   

Pathirana ends Sudharshan's 96-run knock off 47 balls in the final over. He scored six sixes and eight fours. 

Hardik gives identical treatment to Deshpande's first and last ball as the all-rounder hit both deliveries to six. Another massive over for Gujarat, 18 runs from the over as 200 comes up. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 200/2 after 19 overs.

Sudharshan hits 6 4 4 4 on the first four balls off Deshpande as the batter continues his blistering knock in the match. 20 runs from the over.

Gujarat Titans (GT) 173/2 after 17 overs.,

What a knock from Sudharshan in the final! Comes ahead of his captain and hits a 33-ball fifty as Gujarat race towards a 200 finish. 

Sudharshan muscles Theekshana's full-toss over midwicket for a six and turns up the tempo. Another big hit in the over to accumulate 12 runs.

Gujarat Titans (GT) 143/2 after 15 overs. 

Deepa Chahar finally breaks the crucial partnership as he removed Saha (54) after completing his fifty. Hardik Pandya is the new batter in the middle.

Gujarat Titans (GT) 131/2 after 14 overs.  

Cometh the hour, cometh the man! Saha proves why he was backed by Gujarat Titans this season. He smashes fifty on the big stage for the side. Sudharshan hits Jadeja for six after Saha got four in the over. Jadeja ended his spell with 38-1 in four overs. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 124/1 after 13 overs.

Sudharshan hits Pathirana to two boundaries in the over as Gujarat add 13 runs from the over. This partnership is getting big for the side. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 109/1 after 12 overs. 

Saha keeps the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs against spinners. He gets four on the first ball of Jadeja's over and inches close to his fifty. 10 from the over. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 96/1 after 11 overs. 

Another tight over from Jadeja as kept Saha and Sudharshan quite ahead of the strategic break. Eight runs from the over. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 80/1 after 9 overs. 

Dhoni's electric effort from behind the stumps ends Gill's dream season. Jadeja keeps it away from the opener and Dhoni does the job for Chennai. Gill departs after scoring 39 runs. Sai Sudharshan is the new batter in the middle. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 72/1 after 8 overs.  

Gujarat Titans (GT) 62/0 after 6 overs.

Was that a caught-and-bowl chance for Chahar, same result as he dropped it. Always a tough one to grab during the follow-through. 11 runs from the over as Chahar gives 31 runs in his three overs so far. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 49/0 after 5 overs.

Gill joins the party after Saha's assault in the last over. The former hammered Deshpande for three consecutive fours. Another big over for Gujarat. 14 runs from the over.

Gujarat Titans (GT) 38/0 after 4 overs.  

Massive over for Gujarat as hits Chahar for six and two fours to accumulate 16 runs from the over. Gujarat got the desired start from the openers. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 24/0 after 3 overs.

Sloppy fielding from Deepak Chahar at square leg as he drops Gill for 7. This will surely cost Chennai in the match further. Tushar Deshpande remains economical in his first over. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 8/0 after 2 overs.

Chahar keeps it tight in the first over as he sticks to wicket-to-wicket length in front of Gill and Saha. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) 3/0 after 1 over.

MS Dhoni calls his swing expert Deepak Chahar for the opening over of the blockbuster clash in front of a full house.  

"Would've bowled first as well, but my heart wanted to bat so I don't mind losing the toss. We spoke that it is something out of our control (weather). Whichever team plays better will have their hands on the trophy. I like keeping the boys cool, and they repay me. It's a flat track (what he makes of the pitch?). Same team," Hardik Pandya said at the toss.

"We'll bowl first with the rain forecast being around. Yesterday we were in the dressing room. As a cricketer, you always want to play. It was the crowd that suffered the most. Hopefully, we can entertain them. Pitch has been under cover for a long time, but throughout the tournament the pitch has behaved well over here. Quite happy it will be a 20-over game we'll be playing. Serves justice to the tournament like this. Same team," Dhoni said at the toss. 

MS Dhoni has won the toss and opted to bowl first against Gujarat Titans in the title clash. 

MS Dhoni has made his entrance on the ground as the crowd has gone absolutely ballistic on his presence. The crowd is finally getting into the act. 

Singer 'King' has started his performance at the Narendra Modi stadium. Fans are currently having a good time enjoying to the tunes. 

As we inch closer and closer to the start of the reserve day final between CSK and GT, there is growing anticipation towards the weather updates. It is currently hot and dry in Ahmedabad usually.

Rain is expected to interrupt the match but Accuweather predicts that it will be cloudy in the evening, nothing more.

Shubman Gill could become only the second batter in the history of the IPL to reach 900 runs in a season during the IPL 2023 final clash against Chennai Super Kings.

Frustrating news for the fans as the forecast predicts rain during the day and in the evening as well.

Gujarat Titans' players are leading the list of both highest run-getters and leading wicket-takers this season.

Shubman Gill: 851 runs in 16 matches
Mohammed Shami: 28 wickets in 16 matches

It may be possible that now both the captains re-consider their starting XIs and think of changes in the combinations ahead of the toss given the playing conditions would have changed.

Shubman Gill appreciated fans for coming out in big numbers and warned them to keep their physical tickets safe with them in order to get an entry for the reserve day as well.

Unfortunately, the match could not take place today but look forward to a full house tomorrow. See you then!, — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) May 28, 2023

The IPL final match tickets of spectators for the scheduled day (May 28) will also be valid for the reserve day (May 29) as well.,

The #Final of the #TATAIPL 2023 has been moved to the reserve day on 29th May - 7:30 PM IST at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Physical tickets for today will be valid tomorrow. We request you to keep the tickets safe & intact. #CSKvGT pic.twitter.com/d3DrPVrIVD, — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 28, 2023

If the weather conditions remain the same, the possibility of a 5-over match will be watched over. A super over can also take place if the situation gets even more threatening. In case, rain unexpectedly plays spoilsport tonight as well, which seems more unlikely, Gujarat Titans will be declared as the champions as they were the table topper in the league stage.

That's all for today. We will come back with all the live updates from the all important final and hopefully without any rain interruptions. 

The two finalists -- Chennai and Gujarat -- had also featured on the opening day of the tournament, as the two-month-long league comes full circle on Sunday, with fans wearing Chennai's yellow jersey thronging the stadium in large numbers.

So, that is that... Coaches from both CSK and GT have shook hands as per the visuals. The game has been postponed for tomorrow. We are heading into a reserve day. Comeback for all the live updates! Stay tuned.

As per umpires Nitin Menon and Rod Tucker - If the rain stops at 11 PM IST, a 5-5 over match is still possible. However, it must not rain at all.  

pic.twitter.com/bmx91YaKyD, — Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 28, 2023

With less than 1.5 hours to the cut-off time for the five-over match, the final is most likely to be played on a reserve day if the rain continues in Ahmedabad. The reserve day will come into play if there will be a washed-out day today.

Check the reserve day rule here.  

With the covers coming back due to rain, the possibility of a 20-over game today has been completely ruled out. 

The ground staff have been excellent as they working tirelessly to get the outfield fit for a match. Super soppers are at work. 

Ashish Nehra enjoying the hailstorm at Narendra Modi Stadium. pic.twitter.com/PMEhkbrDX6, — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 28, 2023

Just when the fans could see a glimer of hope, it has started drizzling again. World Test Championship final is not that far away and it feels like nature is preparing Indian fans already for the frustration coming up.

Good news is that rain has completely stopped at the Narendra Modi stadium. Players are on the ground practicing. 

Ahmedabad crowds chanting CSK, CSK, CSK even in the rain.

The Craze of MS Dhoni & CSK. pic.twitter.com/kyjubKJXyL, — CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 28, 2023

Nice try Ahmedabad weather, I got AppleCare+, I ain't moving without seeing Thala pic.twitter.com/P8f211hZK7, — ∆ (@TheNaziLad) May 28, 2023

NOT A GOOD NEWS - Rain is pouring continuously. There is a reserve day tomorrow, however, the crowd will expect the match to start today.

Rain has caused the inevitable as the toss has been delayed for the final. However, the chants of "Dhoni Dhoni.." have engulfed the Narendra Modi stadium. 

It's raining at the moment at Narendra Modi stadium and covers are on. pic.twitter.com/LAVa885OGU, — CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 28, 2023

As per latest update, rain has interrupted the closing ceremony and there is a good chance that toss will be delayed as well. The pitch is under covers currently.

Even though there are perfomers like Nucleya, Jonita Gandhi in the middle for the closing ceremony, there is no doubt that the biggest superstar in the ground is one... that is MS Dhoni.  

Chennai Super Kings bus has arrived at the stadium. It is nothing but yellow here at the Narendra Modi stadium. Hardik Pandya must be wondering that how come Gujarat Titans supporters are so few in number.

2 great teams mi nd csk,204 matches,14 seasons,11 playoffs,8 finals,5 trophies.hopefully 6th tonight. It’s been quite a journey.I have decided that tonight’s final is going to be my last game in the Ipl.i truly hav enjoyed playing this great tournament.Thank u all. No u turn, — ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 28, 2023

Ambati Rayudu has announced his retirement ahead of the IPL 2023 final between CSK and GT.

The grand welcome for MS Dhoni and CSK en route Narendra Modi Stadium. pic.twitter.com/y5tYj9l2Iu, — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 28, 2023

Overall this IPL, teams batting first have been more successful, winning 40 games and losing 32 so far. Given it's the final, and dew is not expected to play a big role, both Titans and CSK may prefer having runs on the board.

There are many other interesting match-ups between the players of both sides and it will be interesting to see how it plays out on a high-scoring venue.

Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube and Ambati Rayudu have been a vital cog in the middle order for Chennai. A rejuvenated Rahane has been a blessing for the franchise. On the other hand, Dube's sixes has been the biggest boost for them in the middle order. 

On the other hand, Titans pacer Mohammed Shami has a favourable match-up against Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has dismissed Conway three times in three innings, with the Kiwi batter managing just five runs across 12 balls.

For CSK, Deepak Chahar's swing will be vital to counter Gill, who needs 123 runs to break Virat Kohli's record for most runs (973) in an IPL season.

It's -mania in the IPL playoffs!

His incredible scores and impeccable technique are a testament to his talent @ShubmanGill | #PhariAavaDe | #CSKvGT | #TATAIPL 2023 Final pic.twitter.com/jwKh2J7GNX, — Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 28, 2023

A technically near-perfect batter against a captain known for thinking out of the box. It can't get more exciting than this.
His die-hard fans might expect him to come back again next year but even Dhoni, who has played the entire season with a heavily strapped left knee might find it extremely difficult to keep up with the demands of the shortest format.

Will it be Deepak Chahar's swing or Ravindra Jadeja's wicket-to-wicket bowling? Or will it be Moeen Ali, who could be the 'Joker in the Pack' with his enticing flighted deliveries outside the off-stump which could sharply break back.

Three hundreds and 851 runs don't happen in every season but on a batting belter at the Motera, what will be Dhoni's strategy to stop the enforcer-in-chief for Gujarat Titans. 

Shubman Gill is probably in the form of his life. Being referred the 'prince' of Indian cricket courtesy of his ongoing crusade, Gill has been absolutely ruthless with his outstanding shots.   

Gujarat Titans' Shubman Gill currently is the top run-getter this season with 851 runs in 16 games with RCB skipper Faf du Plessis in second with 730 runs in 14 games. Virat Kohli stands third on the list with 639 runs in 14 games followed by Devon Conway and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the fourth and fifth positions respectively.

"Today's innings was one of the finest, he never looked rushed. It felt like someone was throwing balls and he was hitting. He will be a superstar in international and franchise cricket. I do have conversations with him, I try that people feed off my energy. Everyone takes responsibility for themselves."

The winner of the IPL 2023 Final is expected to receive ₹20 crore while the runners-up are expected to receive ₹13 crore. The team in third place, Mumbai Indians will receive ₹7 crore, while the team in fourth place, which is Lucknow Super Giants will receive ₹6.5 crore.

The GT vs CSK IPL final is expected to break all viewership records tonight. This is a hugely-awaited and high-voltage games among fans. The match can be live streamed on Jio Cinema app while the TV broadcast will be on Star Sports Network.

"Last 3-4 games in Chennai have been different. First few games wicket was better. Have had to adapt. Look to rotate strike, capitalise on loose deliveries. Both are great players (Conway and Faf). Faf was someone who was aggressive from ball one. Conway has great batsmanship. I would say the knock of 60 (what was more satisfying - 60 or the catch)."

Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings have met three times in IPL before. GT have the upper hand with three wins whereas CSK have managed just one win against the defending champions.

"Shubman has batted for a lion's share of overs and we are very pleased that he is doing that. At any given time there can only be two batters. If the entirety of our overs, if it's just the openers batting, it's just fine by us."

- This match will be MS Dhoni's 250th appearance in IPL - the first player to achieve the milestone.

- Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored a half-century in each of the four encounters against Gujarat Titans

- Shubman Gill needs 122 runs to equal Virat Kohli's record of most runs (973) in an IPL season

"The game doesn't change but the outcome does. It's really hard not to look too far ahead and dream of winning it again. To be a part of it is what we sit out to do, that's our purpose." 

Vikram Solanki, GT's Director of Cricket, put up a more relaxed front - of being confident in what the team has achieved in its brief past, as well as giving the due to CSK who have done it many times over.

(Chahar to Gill) : 3 dismissals in 47 balls for just 62 runs.
(Rayudu against Rashid): only one dismissal for 91 runs in 73 balls.

(Shami to Conway) : 3 dismissals in 12 balls for just 5 runs.
(Gill against Jadeja): hasn't been dismissed in 48 balls.

In 9 out of 12 finals since 2011, the side winning Qualifier 1 has gone on to win the final as well.

The day started off with some clouds overhead with a maximum temperature of 39 °C but it is expected that a few thunderstorms will take place around 6 PM in the evening followed by a few more at 9 PM and 11 PM as per the AccuWeather.

Read full report here: CSK vs GT, IPL 2023 Final Weather Forecast: Rain Likely To Play Spoilsport In Title-deciding Clash At Ahmedabad

Following the tradition of the IPL, a star-studded closing ceremony will be held before the commencement of the summit clash at the venue which will be worth watching. The organisers announced the list of performers on Friday who will be performing in the closing ceremony of the mega event.

Check full details here: IPL 2023 Closing Ceremony: Date, Time, Full List Of Performers, Venue, Live Streaming And Other Details 

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Mitchell Santner, Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Akash Singh, Ben Stokes, Dwaine Pretorius, Sisanda Magala, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prashant Solanki, Simarjeet Singh, RS Hangargekar, Bhagath Varma, Nishant Sindhu.

Hello and welcome to our live blog for the title-deciding clash between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans from Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After completing a full circle, we have the two teams for the final which faced each other in the tournament opener. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and live action!