Chennai Super Kings Secure Fifth IPL Title with Thrilling Victory over Gujarat Titans
In a spectacular last-ball finish, the Chennai Super Kings clinched their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) championship, matching the record, as they defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans by five wickets. Ravindra Jadeja’s heroics in the final over, smashing a six and a four off Mohit Sharma’s bowling, helped Chennai chase down the revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs.
The IPL final faced multiple delays, with the match being washed out on Sunday and commencing late on Monday, finally concluding after 1:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday. The nail-biting encounter proved worth the wait.
During the final over, Chennai faced pressure from medium-pacer Mohit Sharma, needing 10 runs off two balls. Sharma failed to find the right length, allowing Jadeja to hit a straight six. Sharma’s line was also off on the following delivery, resulting in Jadeja smashing a boundary to fine leg, sealing the stunning victory.
Jadeja expressed his mindset during the crucial moments, stating, “I was just thinking I need to swing hard, as much as I can. Where the ball will go, I was not thinking about that. I was backing myself and looking to hit straight because I know Mohit can bowl those slower balls.”
Retiring batter Ambati Rayudu also played a pivotal role in Chennai’s triumph, securing his sixth IPL title and matching Rohit Sharma’s record for the most successful players in the league. Rayudu reflected on the fairytale ending, saying, “It’s a fairytale finish. I’m fortunate to have played in really great sides. I can smile for the rest of my life.”
In the first innings, Gujarat Titans were put into bat and posted an imposing total of 214-4, the highest ever in an IPL final, with Sai Sudharsan contributing an impressive 96 runs. Rain interrupted Chennai’s chase in the first over, resulting in a 2.5-hour delay and a reduced target of 171 runs in 15 overs. Chennai showcased remarkable determination, reaching 171-5 with just one ball to spare.
Chennai’s opening pair of Devon Conway (47 off 25 balls) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (26 off 16) provided an explosive start, forming a half-century partnership within the powerplay. Spinner Noor Ahmad dismissed both openers in quick succession, but Chennai continued their aggressive approach. Ajinkya Rahane contributed a quick 27 off 13 deliveries, while Rayudu’s attacking display against Mohit Sharma in the 13th over included a sequence of 6-4-6, before Sharma struck back with consecutive wickets.
With Rayudu’s dismissal and Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni falling for a first-ball duck, Shivam Dube (32 off 21) partnered with Jadeja to guide Chennai to a memorable victory.
Dhoni, who has led the Chennai franchise since the inception of the IPL, expressed his willingness to continue playing for another season, appreciating the support of CSK fans. He remarked, “The easy thing for me to say is, ‘Thank you,’ and retire. But the hard thing to do is to work hard for nine months and try to play one more IPL season… The amount of love I have received from CSK fans, it would be a gift for them to play one more season.”
Mohammed Shami’s exceptional penultimate over added to the suspense, leaving Chennai needing 13 runs off six balls. Mohit Sharma, who claimed three wickets for 36 runs, held his nerve until Jadeja’s extraordinary finish.
