CSK vs GT, IPL 2023 Final Highlights: Chennai Super Kings Clinch 5th IPL Title
Ravindra Jadeja delivered the kind of ball that left-arm spinners dream of—drift, sharp turn, bounce, and an audible whirr. Shubman Gill, in the form of his life, was completely beaten. But it was what happened behind the stumps that left everyone in awe, even though they knew what was coming.
Despite nearing 42 years of age, MS Dhoni once again proved that he has the fastest hands in the business. The time taken from the moment the ball landed in his gloves to stumping Gill was a mind-boggling 0.12 seconds, faster than any stumping Dhoni has ever executed.
Jadeja, with a subtle inquiry, seemed to be asking Dhoni, “What do you think?” The wry smile on Dhoni’s face was a giveaway. Gill wasn’t going to get a second chance. It was a significant moment because, up until then, Gill had been finding gaps that appeared impenetrable to others. The crowd erupted as the big screen flashed “OUT.” This was unexpected, considering it was the home ground of the Gujarat Titans.
Gill’s fluid strokeplay, lazy elegance, and powerful pulls in front of square were a treat to watch, even in the face of thunderstorms. However, there were moments when it seemed like Jadeja’s contributions to the team were being overshadowed, as had happened repeatedly in this tournament. At times, Jadeja felt he hadn’t received enough credit from fans, leading to cryptic social media posts that set tongues wagging. Was there another storm brewing? Was everything alright between Jadeja and Dhoni?
But the beauty of sport is that it offers second chances when least expected. And that second chance came for Jadeja in the final over, with CSK’s hopes of a miracle fading fast. They needed 10 runs off two balls against Mohit Sharma, one of the best death bowlers in the competition. The pressure was immense, not to mention the over 100,000 spectators in the stadium and the millions watching on TV at 1:30 am on a Tuesday morning.
In the dugout, Dhoni had his eyes closed, an unusual sight as he never sits there. But on that Monday night, he was there well before it was his turn to bat, and he remained there long after being dismissed. He seemed to be praying fervently, with clenched fists. No one could bear to look, not even Dhoni himself. It was a rare, raw, and unadulterated moment. And then, Jadeja scooped a yorker-length delivery over long-on for a six. Now they needed four runs off the final ball. The tension was palpable.
Stephen Fleming, the coach, usually exuded a calmness akin to that of a sage. But this time, he couldn’t bear to look. “I just couldn’t watch; I was preparing for a heartbreak, mate,” he later admitted. “I thought, ‘Oh, that’s one ball away from a big heartbreak.’ I wasn’t even looking at what Dhoni was doing. And suddenly, Jaddu swings towards the leg side. Oh, unbelievable.” Fleming let out a big sigh, reliving that moment as he described it.
Emotionally drained yet filled with excitement, Fleming sat there with an unfinished cold beverage, ready to discuss the victory. “I’m happy to answer more questions, that’s fine. I’m enjoying it,” he told the media representative trying to wrap up the press conference. And then, he went on to describe the moments that followed.
Jadeja’s winning runs sparked wild celebrations in the crowd. Ahmedabad seemed like one big party waiting to explode. Strangers wearing CS
