IPL match report 2023:Qualifier 1 Match CSK vs GT: May 23, 2023

MS Dhoni once again showcased his leadership skills as he guided the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their tenth IPL final. The entire country was captivated by his effortless charm and remarkable strategic decisions. In the encounter against the Gujarat Titans, Dhoni transformed their comfort zone into a challenging environment reminiscent of his days as the captain of the Indian cricket team. Despite some mis-hits from CSK’s batters, they managed to post a competitive total of 172.

CSK’s fast bowlers struggled with their line and length, but surprisingly, their short balls down the leg side and wide full tosses resulted in crucial wickets. On the other hand, CSK’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana, excelled in their element, picking up four wickets for 46 runs. It was Jadeja’s exceptional delivery to dismiss David Miller that stood out, utilizing high pace and an angle to deceive the left-handed batsman. Jadeja’s performance in this match demonstrated his value as a spinner who thrives in challenging conditions.

Jadeja had faced criticism and questions about his inclusion in the side, particularly regarding his inability to take wickets in Chennai. However, his stellar performance in this game silenced the critics. Additionally, Theekshana played a crucial role by dismissing Hardik Pandya and later Rahul Tewatia, contributing to the Titans’ collapse.

While the Titans, who had been the dominant team in the league stage, still had a chance to make it to the final, they struggled to recover from the early setbacks. Despite some heroics from Rashid Khan, their middle-order failed to revive the innings. Devon Conway, who initially attempted various shots to break free, found himself stuck, and CSK capitalized on this. Conway’s struggle affected the Super Kings’ scoring rate, and they went without hitting a boundary for 29 balls between the 10th and 15th overs.

In contrast, Shubman Gill had found his rhythm and was batting fluently. To disrupt his innings, Dhoni introduced Matheesha Pathirana, but the young bowler struggled with his nerves and conceded extras. However, Dhoni’s plan B proved successful when Deepak Chahar dismissed Gill with an enticing delivery, luring him to play a shot that resulted in a catch on the long-leg boundary.

With Gill’s dismissal, Dhoni took control of the game. He utilized Pathirana’s remaining overs to tackle the Titans’ finishers, even if it meant risking an over-rate penalty. Dhoni’s ability to defend totals and maximize the potential of his bowlers is a testament to his strategic prowess. As Hardik Pandya aptly described, Dhoni has the unique ability to make opponents feel like he adds an additional 10 runs to the team’s score through his astute captaincy.

Ruturaj Gaikwad played a crucial role in CSK’s innings, scoring a composed half-century, even under pressure. He demonstrated his skill and composure at the crease with a high-quality shot against Rashid Khan, hitting the ball inside out over cover. Gaikwad’s contribution was vital, and CSK were fortunate that he was given a reprieve on just 2 runs due to a no-ball.

Overall, Dhoni’s captaincy, the impressive performances of Jadeja and Theekshana, as well as Gaikwad’s composed batting, played significant roles in CSK’s victory. They advanced to the IPL final, where they would face either the Mumbai Indians or the Lucknow Super Giants in Ahmedabad.