'Well Scripted by God': MS Dhoni on Memorable IPL 2023 Final Between CSK and GT

The IPL 2023 final played between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans will be remembered for years to come.

It was a high-voltage clash between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad that got stretched to two days due to rain interruption.

While Chennai were chasing a record-equalling fifth IPL title, Gujarat Titans aimed to defend their crown.

What transpired in the dying phase of the game seemed nothing short of a fairy-tale. CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni himself admitted it while speaking at an event recently.

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The Chennai-based franchise, under the leadership of Dhoni, had the last laugh in the summit clash. Star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja was the architect behind the victory, which helped Dhoni become the most successful captain in terms of trophy count in IPL history along with Rohit Sharma.

“The final looked like it was very well scripted by God. Because it did not start on time, you know and it was the only final that went on for three days” Dhoni said while reminiscing about the memorable IPL finale.

Gujarat Titans batted first in that match and set a mammoth target of 215 runs.

Due to rain interventions, Chennai Super Kings were asked to chase a revised total of 171, which they had to score in 15 overs.

It looked like a difficult task for them but Chennai Super Kings players appeared at their devastating best during the run-chase.

“They scored the kind of runs they scored. The best thing that would have happened was that we would have gotten the target before the start of our batting and it actually happened. And then, when we needed a boundary, we got it somehow. So it was more like a script,” Dhoni added.

A 74-run partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway during the powerplay gave Chennai Super Kings a powerful start.

Chennai Super Kings eventually required 13 runs to win in the final over, with Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube unbeaten at the crease.

Gujarat Titans pacer Mohit Sharma conceded only three runs in the first four deliveries, Jadeja then showed his mettle. The Southpaw struck a six and a boundary in the last two balls, sending the Ahmedabad crowd into a frenzy.