The IPL 2023 final had a magnificent atmosphere, but its audience consisted of a particular group of individuals.
These were the ones who endured extreme weather conditions, such as scorching heat, heavy rain, and sleepless nights. They patiently stood in long, disorganized queues to secure their tickets and took extra care to protect them from getting wet. They had the skill to mend torn ticket pieces and possessed the determination to remain in the stadium, hoping for the game to resume. Some even resorted to sleeping on railway station platforms, hoping that rain wouldn't disrupt their plans once again. Additionally, they were willing to pay higher prices for food, despite being caught between two exposed areas affected by rain.
Despite the fact that nearly half of the stadium lacked shelter from the rain, and the additional challenge of a strong breeze, some individuals squeezed into tight spaces while others endured the persistent drizzle. Ultimately, it was a test of survival for the overly enthusiastic spectators.
Several individuals who couldn't afford to miss their transportation, such as trains, buses, and flights, departed after the first day's rainout. Others, who had commitments to attend schools, offices, or needed sleep, left during the middle of the second day. Surprisingly, when CSK resumed their run chase in the final phase of the match, the enormous stadium was nearly filled.
For many, the illogical affection for the sport made even enduring the discomfort worthwhile, as they found intangible pleasure in it. Those who were capable of dancing in the rain and waving their flags, immersing themselves in the delight of boundaries and wickets well past midnight, will have a tale to recount about a rare and unforgettable experience they lived through.
The cricket match, for which they had spent money and were even ready to tolerate extended periods of discomfort, turned out to be a source of frustration.
A T20 match that was originally scheduled to conclude on May 28 eventually ended in the middle of the night on May 30. Amidst the game, three musical concerts took place, Ambati Rayudu announced his retirement from IPL, MS Dhoni potentially played his final competitive match, a child went missing, tensions escalated among the crowd, and the hospitality industry benefited from numerous rescheduled bookings.
There were also incidents during the event that caused delays in the gameplay, with some incidents being more significant than others. For instance, there was a situation where water accidentally accumulated on a side pitch during a rain break, and it took over an hour to dry and prepare the pitch for play. Additionally, there was a minor issue involving a group of people who initially refused to return the ball from the crowd after Ruturaj Gaikwad hit a six off Rashid Khan. They eventually complied after being requested by the announcer.
Furthermore, there were frequent interruptions due to rain, requiring the ground to dry up and inspections to take place.
To emphasize the extended duration of what was originally intended as a 35-over contest, it is worth noting that even the Test match held in Ahmedabad in 2021 concluded within two days.
Broken hearts were prevalent during the final match. A 10-year-old boy, accompanied by his family, travelled all the way from Indore with great anticipation, only to return disappointed after the rain-soaked first day. His parents had meticulously planned and looked forward to the experiences they had envisioned, but unfortunately, they were unable to fully live them. This young boy was not alone in his disappointment; there were numerous others who also have stories to share, recounting how they should have been there, were present, yet somehow missed out. On the flip side, some fortunate individuals managed to acquire tickets on the second day at incredibly low prices from those who had to return to their hometowns.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), a venture driven and profitable through television viewership, often fails to provide a welcoming atmosphere for stadium spectators, even more so during the summer vacation months when it is held. The incessant interruptions during the 2023 final tested the patience of those who were comfortably watching from their homes, as they found themselves constantly checking weather updates instead of focusing on the scores.
Amidst the larger unfolding event, which overshadowed the cricket itself, one could glimpse snippets of the sport. Stephen Fleming, unsure of the appropriate tactics during the toss, found himself contemplating whether to observe the sky or the ground.
Deepak Chahar, who failed to catch both of the in-form GT openers, ultimately suffered at their hands, indicating CSK's overall struggles with both bowling and fielding. Wriddhiman Saha, overshadowed by his opening partner Shubman Gill, showcased his relevance in T20 cricket by becoming the oldest player to score a half-century in an IPL final.
Sai Sudarshan, whom Tom Moody believed should have been retired out in the team's interest, emerged as the standout batter despite the initial doubts. Similar to Gill's performance throughout the tournament, Sai utilized conventional cricketing strokes to amass an impressive 47-ball 96, contributing to his team's record-breaking total in the final.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway efficiently dealt with the pressure and potential frustration caused by the delay by launching an early attack, which propelled their team's pursuit of victory.
There were also notable instances involving MS Dhoni, showcasing contrasting moments. One such moment was his swift stumping of Gill, despite not having practiced wicket-keeping much throughout the season. On the other hand, he walked out to bat amid enthusiastic reception from the opposing fans but unfortunately got dismissed for a duck on the very first ball.
In his final appearance, Ambati Rayudu made a significant impact. Initially expressing frustration over the water-logged side pitch, he then demonstrated his team's trust in him throughout the season by delivering an impressive performance, despite a series of below-average showings. During a three-ball onslaught against Mohit Sharma, he posed a serious threat to the opposition's chase, hitting consecutive six, four, and six.
However, the experienced pacer, in his comeback season, swiftly dismissed both Rayudu and Dhoni in consecutive deliveries, further enhancing his reputation.
The game witnessed natural shifts in momentum, influenced by the weather and ground conditions. Even though the ground was considered favorable for chasing, Fleming, the coach, believed that a target of 215 runs was quite challenging. The rain interruption, occurring just three balls into CSK's innings, not only disrupted the momentum of the opposition team (GT) but also left the ground slightly wet. This dampness worked in CSK's favor, allowing them to pursue a revised target of 171 according to the DLS method.
There were also some notable occurrences in the match. Rashid Khan, who is usually reliable, struggled under the pressure of the big game and ended up conceding 44 runs in just 3 overs. Dhoni, known for his calm demeanour, couldn't control his emotions as Ravindra Jadeja sealed the victory in the final moments. It was a thrilling last-ball final, as mentioned multiple times by Fleming, where the margin between the winners and the runners-up was a mere few inches. A slight error in length from Mohit resulted in a six being hit. Similarly, a slight mistake in line led to an edge that went for a four. The crowd, sporting both yellow jerseys and blue flags, showed divided support. However, it was Jadeja, a native of Gujarat, who guided his Chennai team to victory with a six and a four off the last two balls.
The thrilling clash between the season's top two teams unfolded in a stadium in Ahmedabad, boasting a capacity of over 100,000 spectators. Adding to the excitement, Dhoni, the crowd's beloved player, triumphantly claimed the coveted trophy for the fifth time.
The final match of IPL 2023 showcased a captivating blend of cricketing prowess and captivating visual effects. The extravagant display included dazzling light-and-sound shows, fireworks, and billowing smoke, making it a memorable entertainment package. However, the event progressed at its own unique pace, offering an experience that wasn't necessarily enjoyable for everyone involved.
Final Words -
We highly recommend utilizing the Fast Live Line app and website to stay up-to-date with the latest cricket live line and live cricket score. By utilizing this platform, you can access real-time updates on cricket matches, including scores, ball-by-ball commentary, player statistics, and other relevant information. Whether you're a passionate cricket enthusiast or simply want to stay informed about ongoing matches, the Fast Live Line app and website offer a convenient and user-friendly experience. Don't miss out on the excitement of live cricket action – download the Fast Live Line app or visit their website today!
