IPL16 : Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – The Final
It was a Final like never before. A T20 match stretched over 2 days. Each inning played on two different dates. Players battling out in the wee hours of the morning, a time when the body sleeps, a pitched battle was raging at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Though the rain had almost spoilt it, our brave players salvaged everything.
Dangerous Underdogs
GT were the team to beat. Having an array of exceptional players, led by a determined and passion oozing captain, they were well on their way with an almost unassailable 214 on the back of a sterling 96 from Sai Sudharsan and a terrific bowling attack to boot. CSK were the challengers, but dangerous ones at that and how much though GT believed they had enough, there wasn’t a guarantee, and then the heavens opened up. A few hours later as the date changed past midnight, CSK began their truncated chase of 170 in 15 overs.
The Weather & The Strong Willed
The brilliant bowling attack of GT, was not only up against a strong willed CSK opening pair but also up against a soapy wet ball, a field difficult to scamper, a well set pitch and a dazzling Ravindra Jadeja. With 10 required of the last 2 balls at 1.15 am in the night, Jaddu got under the skin of the dependable Mohit Sharma, who till that time had almost ensured the Championship for GT.
A Full Toss & A Flick
The 5th ball of the last over was lifted for a six. A yorker length delivery which Mohit missed by a whisker and Jaddu tonked it straight into the crowd. Now just a 4 was needed of the last ball. A tensed stadium, a tensed Dhoni with his eyes closed waiting anxiously, as the ball arrived. Mohit bowled a delivery uncharacteristic of him. A full toss on the pads of Jaddu who flicked it fine. The ball raced past the keeper and Jaddu took off on a victory run.
The Brotherly Hug
The pulsating finish was nothing less than a Mega Steal and that too right under GT’s nose. It was the 5th IPL Title for CSK equalling MI’s tally and the way Dhoni lifted Jadeja and hugged him ever so tightly, was reminiscent of a brotherly emotional embrace. The not so underdogs had pipped the defending Champions just at the goal post. The mercurial Jadeja had won it for Dhoni in fine fashion.
One For The Ages
What a game of cricket it was. One for the ages to savour. GT were great throughout the tournament and remained gracious in defeat. Undoubtedly they are a team which boasts of great Sportsman spirit too. And for MSD, the entire cricketing fraternity is raving about the great Champion.
The Legend of Dhoni..lives on.
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