Dramatic Mohit Sharma’s last over, blindfolded Dhoni, tearful fan; Jadeja raised the tapestry ‘head’

Ahmedabad: In the IPL final, Gujarat Titans Sai Sudarshan, who lost the toss and batted first, set the target of 215 runs with a half-century, and even the Chennai Super Kings fans got angry. Later, they gave up hope when they set the target of 171 runs in 15 overs due to rain. Because against a Gujarat bowling line-up consisting of Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmed and Mohit Sharma, it was almost impossible to score close to 12 runs an over.

But it was the opening partnership of Ruturaj Gaekwad and Devon Conway that first paved the way to that impossible goal. After an opening partnership of 74 runs, Ruthuraj returned, followed by Conway. While Shivam Dubey struggled to find rhythm early on, Ajinkya Rahane’s lightning strikes kept their hopes alive. Rahane also fell while the score stood at 117. Ambati Rayudu, who was playing his farewell match, came to the crease later. Rayuduu, who has been in poor form this season, was dropped at that time, surprising even the fans. But Dhoni’s belief did not go wrong. Rayudu came back with 19 off 8 balls to bring Chennai closer to victory.

Then came the moment fans were waiting for, MS Dhoni to the crease ahead of Ravindra Jadeja. But Dhoni was at the crease for the life of one ball. Dhoni was easily caught by Miller at short extra cover as Mohit Sharma’s ball tried to cross the boundary. The 100,000-strong crowd in Ahmedabad fell silent for a moment as Dhoni returned for a golden duck. Dhoni shook his head in frustration and returned to the dugout. Ravindra Jadeja, who is also a local boy, came to the crease. Chennai need 21 runs to win the last two overs.

Jadeja and Shivam Dubey scored eight runs in the fourteenth over bowled by Mohammed Shami. With this, the target in the last over became 13 runs. Mohit Sharma came to bowl. Shivam Dubey failed to score a run on the first ball which was a yorker. Just one run each in the second and third balls. With this, they needed 11 runs in the last three balls to win. The moment Gujarat secured victory. Fans who expected a six from Shivam Dubey off the fourth ball were left disappointed. Got only single. Then 10 runs are needed in the last two balls to win. Gujarat skipper Hardik Pandya has a triumphant smile on his face.

It is not a rice stalk but a ‘head’ stalk; 5th IPL title for Dhoni, CSK

In the dugout, Chennai skipper MS Dhoni closed his eyes and meditated. In the gallery, the Chennai fan stood with her hands in tears. If they lose the crucial fifth ball, Gujarat will clinch the title. Jadeja kept Chennai alive by smashing Mohit Sharma’s fifth ball over long-on for a six. Four runs to win off the last ball. Jadeja flicked the ball that reached the leg stump and flicked it to the fine leg boundary to lead Chennai to an incredible win. Dhoni was still meditating in the dugout with his eyes closed. Chennai team members rushed to the ground to celebrate the victory and showered Jadeja.

This part of my life, this little part, is called HAPPINESS 💛 pic.twitter.com/rREMmuFnGf

— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari)
Last Updated May 30, 2023, 12:50 PM IST