IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings Win Thrilling Final, Dedicate Victory to Retiring Rayudu

     After a thrilling three-day final, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets via the DLS method in the IPL 2023 final. The victory was especially sweet for CSK, who had finished ninth among 10 teams last season. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated the victory to teammate Ambati Rayudu, who will be retiring after this season.

     The final was stretched over three days due to rain, with CSK set a revised target of 171 in 15 overs when the rain had stopped play a few balls into their innings. Gujarat Titans had posted 2144 in 20 overs, thanks to a quickfire 96 by Sai Sudharsan and a half-century by Wriddhiman Saha.

     Speaking after the match, Gaikwad said that the victory was special because of how it compared to last year. “To come back in style, win away games, win in Chepauk, and the finish was unbelievable. We would like to dedicate this win to Rayudu,” he said.

     CSK looked to be in trouble when they needed 20 runs from the last 11 deliveries, and 13 from the final over. But Mohit Sharma bowled four superb deliveries, conceding just three runs before Ravindra Jadeja hammered a six and a four off the last two deliveries to seal a dramatic victory for CSK.

     Pacer Deepak Chahar said Rayudu, who had announced his retirement two days earlier, told them he would win the final. “That belief that he has is unbelievable,” said Chahar.

     Ajinkya Rahane pulled CSK through with a 13-ball 27, and Ambati Rayudu put them on course to victory with an 8-ball 19. Shivam Dube remained not out on 32 off 21 balls. Rahane had been dismissed as an over-the-hill Test batter by many before the start of IPL 2023, but he reinvented himself as an aggressive batter and played some crucial innings this season.

     Former CSK player Mike Hussey praised the team’s performance. “Hats off to Gujarat as well, they’ve been amazing through the season, but thankfully Jaddu got us over the line. Dhoni is an amazing human being. A good example is in the qualifier he was telling Senapati to remain calm and he gave us a crucial runout. Some of those shots from Rayudu, the slower balls that he hit over cover, not many people can do that.”

     The victory was a fitting ending to Rayudu’s IPL career, and a testament to the team’s hard work and determination. CSK’s victory was a sweet revenge for their ninth-place finish last season, and a fitting tribute to Rayudu’s contribution to the team.