Former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja proved his worth when it mattered the most by hitting 10 runs off just a couple of balls to propel them to their fifth Indian Premier League title. An archetype dramatic finish to a match and a season worthy of a thrilling last-ball finish, Jadeja hitting a six and a four against Gujarat Titans pacer Mohit Sharma (3/36) summed up his potential in crunch situations.
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Chasing a 171-run target in a rain-affected 15-over innings, CSK consumed each of their 90 deliveries to equal with Mumbai Indians in terms of winning most IPL seasons.
Barring captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (0), a determined run-chase witnessed each of their seven batters contributing in individual capacities in a 5-wicket victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chennai’s third title win since returning from a two-year suspension denied Gujarat from becoming the third team to register consecutive IPL title wins.
CSK vs GT Man Of The Match Today
Jadeja, who picked the all-important wicket of GT opening batter Shubman Gill (39) in addition to scoring at a strike rate of 250 on Tuesday, wasn’t handed the Player of the Match for the fourth time this season.
It was Super Kings opener Devon Conway (47) who bagged the match award in the night of the final. Opening the batting with Ruturaj Gaikwad (26), the 31-year old overseas player laid a solid foundation for the others to follow in the form of a 39-ball 76-run partnership for the first wicket.
Conway, who hit four fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 188, made amends for a lacklustre innings in Qualifier 1 against the same opposition at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
“It [rain delay] was a long time to wait. Very nervous but Rutu [Ruturaj Gaikwad] and I plotted how we’ll go about it. Personally, it is the greatest win in my career. IPL final, doesn’t get bigger than that. Lot of credit to Mike [Michael] Hussey, fellow left-handed player. Nice to be in his shoes,” Conway told host broadcaster Star Sports Network during the post-match presentation ceremony.
