Indian Premier League 2023 has come to an end with MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings winning by 5 wkts (DLS method) over Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans on Monday, May 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Originally the final was scheduled to take place on Sunday but persistent rain played a spoilsport and the reserve day got the chance to host the summit clash.

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl. Put into bat, Gujarat Titans posted a huge total of 214 runs in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of Wriddhiman Saha’s fifty and a swashbuckling knock of Sai Sudharsan. He smashed 96 off 47 with 8 fours and 6 sixes as well. While chasing, CSK got off to a flying start but soon the game was halted due to rain and they got a revised target of 171 in 15 overs in the rain-curtailed final. After the good strat, everyone contributed with the bat. However, it was Ravindra Jadeja who smashed a six and a four in the final two balls of the game and sealed the deal for his side as well.

Here is what the captains and the player of the match said after the game:

Hardik Pandya as quoted by Cricbuzz: I think we tick a lot of boxes as a team. We play with a lot of heart, really proud of the way we kept fighting. We have a motto – we win together, we lose together. I’m not going to make excuses, CSK played the better cricket. We batted really well, special mention to Sai (Sudharsan), not easy to play that well at this level. We have been backing the boys and trying to make sure we get the best out of them. But their success is their success. The way they have put their hand up and delivered – Mohit, Rashid, Shami everyone. (On MS Dhoni) I’m very happy for him, destiny had this written. If I had to lose, I’d rather lose to him. Good things happen to good people, and he’s been one of the best people I know. God has been kind, God has been kind to me as well but today was his night.

Mohammed Shami, Purple Cap Winner 2023 for 28 wickets in 17 matches as quoted by Cricbuzz: (On powerplay bowling) It is always enjoyable for the viewers, but difficult to execute. Only two fielders allowed outside, lots of responsibility but that’s my role in the team. If you are bowling in the right areas, you will get rewards – be in red ball or white ball.

Shubman Gill, Most Valuable Player of IPL 2023 as quoted by Cricbuzz: Means a lot, my hard work is going in the right direction. We couldn’t win the final, but it was one hell of a game. It is very important to start well and I started well, I was getting 40s and 50s and at the end of the tournament I converted them into big ones. (On his six hitting) I practiced a lot, changed my technique for the death, and it has been good. All the hundreds were quite different, the SRH one was about control and MI one was knowing which bowlers to go after. I picked the right bowlers, and controlled the situation well.

Devon Conway, Player of the Match as quoted by Cricbuzz: It was a long time to wait, very nervous but Rutu and I plotted how we’ll go about it. Personally, is the greatest win in my career. IPL final, doesn’t get bigger than that. Lot of credit to Mike Hussey, fellow left-handed player. Nice to be in his shoes.

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Ambati Rayudu as quoted by Cricbuzz: It’s a fairytale finish and I couldn’t have asked for more. It’s unbelievable, really fortunate to have played in some great sides. This win is something I will remember for the rest of my life, for all the hardwork in the last 30 years, happy that it finished on this note. I would like to take this moment to thank my family and thank my father, without him I wouldn’t have been here today.

Tushar Deshpande as quoted by Cricbuzz: I said this at the start of the tournament that I want to win the IPL and I am really happy with my performance. Will be working on the areas to improve and with DJ (Bravo), on my side, I have clear plans on how to go about my bowling.

Ravindra Jadeja as quoted by Cricbuzz: Feeling amazing winning fifth title in front of my home crowd. They’ve come in big numbers to support CSK. This crowd has been amazing. They were waiting for rain to stop till late night. Want to say big congratulations to CSK fans. Want to dedicate this win to one of the special members of our team – MS Dhoni. I was just thinking that I need to swing hard no matter what. Yeah anything can happen. I was looking to hit straight because Mohit can bowl slower ones. Want to say congratulations to each and every fan of CSK. Just keep cheering the way you’ve been cheering.

Ajinkya Rahane as quoted by Cricbuzz: Really enjoyed it. Credit goes to CSK management and Mahi bhai. They said they would back me completely if I got an opportunity, and told me what my role was before the season. They did not interfere at all and the freedom which CSK gives is massive. Really happy with the way I batted. This is really special. Great character to have, very intense, very hard-working, great team man I would say. The knock he played today was really really special. Very happy for him.

Moeen Ali as quoted by Cricbuzz: Voice has gone already. Amazing feeling. To beat such a good side on a wicket like that was amazing. You’re always learning from MS, just about how you deal with players and different situations.

Mike Hussey as quoted by Cricbuzz: Can’t take much credit for that, but what a phenomenal game. Credit to GT for the way they fought. Jaddu did enough in the end, thankfully. (On MS Dhoni) He’s an amazing human being, the biggest strength is taking the pressure off the young guys. You saw a good example of that in the qualifier with Senapati, he told him to calm down and he got us that big run-out. Tactically very smart, and he and Stephen complement each other very well. That’s the benefit of experience, they are so cool and calm. Some of those shots from Rayudu, I don’t think many in the world can hit shots to slower balls like that.

Stephen Fleming as quoted by Cricbuzz: We have like 20-odd players and 15 coaching staff. It’s a caravan of people but at the end of the day, you’re all just sitting and watching helplessly. (On developing players) He’s (Pathirana) been massive. We have been a little bit short in the bowling department so Tushar fronted up. We have enough talent there with Chahar, Simarjeet and a few others. With Pathirana, the backend all of a sudden became a weapon for us.

Dwayne Bravo as quoted by Cricbuzz: It has been good, very happy with the team and this journey. Got to give credit to this team. We are all happy and proud to see these young bowlers take on the pressure. (On Tushar Deshpande) Happy with his progress, enjoyed working with him and all the other guys. I hope my best friend Kieron Pollard is watching, he has some catching up to do.

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Devon Conway as quoted by Cricbuzz: (On his strategy) I think just positive intent, swing for the hills. It has been great batting with Rutu, such a clean hitter of the ball. Our partnership has worked really well, left-right combination and we enjoy our game together. I think it has been great, the environment here is really great. Happy that we are heading in the right direction and great to be part of this group.

Deepak Chahar as quoted by Cricbuzz: Every time we had a discussion, he (Rayudu) kept telling me that I am going to win the final. The belief that he has is unbelievable. When you are playing, you just want to contribute. It was a simple plan. We knew we have to perform, even if it was just one game. We have to contribute to the team to win the final.

Ruturaj Gaikwad as quoted by Cricbuzz: This one was more special because how last year went for us. To come back in style, to win games at Chepauk and to win away games. The way everyone contributed through the season. Jinks, Conway.. Rayudu wasn’t getting balls. Would like to dedicate the win to Rayudu. Even today we were talking about having a good start. With wickets in hand, we thought we’ll easily chase down 12-13 an over in the end.