*GT VS CSK REVIEW- FINAL*
*JADEJA CAPS OFF AN INCREDILE HEIST FROM CSK:*
CSK had played just 3 balls into their chase and rain decided to visit again. It was a long wait as the CSK openers, who were in top form, had to keep themselves calm for a period longer than usual. When play eventually began, the revised target for CSK was 171 to get in 15 overs and they started with a bang. Both Conway and Ruturaj took the attack to the GT bowlers, arguably the best bowling lineup of this IPL and registered 72 on board after the first 6 overs. The situation was such that it demanded boundaries and CSK openers, continuing from where they left off, did not disappoint. It was only in the 7th over, right after the powerplay where we witnessed the first twist in the chase as Afghani sensation Noor Ahmed, with his bag of tricks, sent both the openers packing after getting CSK off to a flier. Infact, he was the best bowler of the lot, merely leaking runs and picking up two crucial wickets as well. Now the onus was upon Rahane and Dube to consolidate and both played their parts respectively. Dube struggled with timing and failed to connect initially as Rahane came out all guns blazing, compensating for his partner’s slowish start. His two sixes off Little’s over, one over the deep mid wicket region and the other that was deposited into the screen in front, were pleasant and was a sight to behold. CSK were marching along nicely at this point when Mohit decided to launch a GT comeback as he picked up the prized wicket of Rahane in an over which saw only 6 runs being leaked. With 50 off 20 needed, Dube sent Rashid’s magic into the obvillion and brought the equation down to 38 off the final 3. It was the brute power of the tall southpaw that saw Rashid Khan being belted around the park as he finished a forgettable outing.
In the 13th over of the chase, Rayudu, playing his final game, batted with intent and smoked Mohit for a 6,4 and another 6 however his wicket in the very next ball followed up by a one ball duck for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, stabilised things and wrestled back some momentum into GT.
As Shami gave just 8 in the second last over of the game, 13 were needed off the final 6 balls of the season. Though Mohit nailed the first four deliveries, a lapse of concentration and Jadeja coming clutch and to the rescue for the Super kings in the final 2 balls, ensured a CSK win. A 5th IPL title for them and a memorable 10th final appearance, you can’t ask for a better finish than this. Jadeja finishing it off in style and marking off a scintillating season as an allrounder.
*SAI SUDARSHAN BRINGS HIS A GAME TO THE FORE:*
GT, heading into this game, expecting a flat pitch at hand, got what they wanted and began their quest for a big total in the final. They were able to collect 62 runs off the first 36 balls with Saha-Gill going strong. Both openers were dropped once by Deepak Chahar and these reprieves ended up costing CSK big time as Gill scored an impactful 39 and Saha powering to a clutch half century with 5 fours and a 6. It needed something special to get rid of the leading run scorer of this IPL and the combination of Jadeja and MSD became the rescue act once again as Gill had to walk back, concluding a golden run this season with 890 in the bag. As Sudarshan walked out, the proceedings slowed down and only 19 were generated off the next three overs. But, the introduction of Pathirana was the turning point as GT tried pulling sone momentum into their favour. A Saha wicket fell in the process, but GT were back on track with Sai looking as good as ever, slowly beginning to shift gears and press on the accelerator. The 15-17 over period produced 42 runs and CSK were clearly under the pump, with MSD having no answers to this slaughter. Though Junior Malinga pulled it back in his second over, he was taken to the cleaners again in the 20th, the final over of the innings, being on the receiving end of Sai enjoying his time out there in the middle. GT were flawless throughout and it was reflective in their scorecard. Sai Sudarshan, a consistent performer throughout was sensational tonight. He chose the perfect day to shock the world and show them of his prowess as he fell a mere 4 run short of what would have been a jaw dropping clutch century, just the third in an IPL final in the history of this beautiful tournament. At the end however, this proved to not be enough for being declared the title holders as CSK reigned supreme again, just like Qualifier 1.