Sunil Gavaskar feels Gujarat Titans conveying a message to pacer Mohit Sharma in the final over of the IPL 2023 final versus Chennai Super Kings might have altered the bowler’s rhythm.
He mentioned how one of GT’s subs raced to Sharma with beverages to deliver a message. Prior to the last delivery, skipper Hardik Pandya was also seen saying something to the seamer.
“After his first three or four bowls, Gujarat sent in someone with a bottle of water for him. It was right in the middle of the over. It wasn’t that a wicket had fallen or there was a break.”
“The substitute told him (Mohit Sharma) something, and then Hardik Pandya also had a word with him. That broke his rhythm, considering that he had started the over really well.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Mohit Sharma refused to allow the CSK hitters to score a boundary on the first four deliveries of the penultimate over. The equation came down to 10 off the last two balls. Ravindra Jadeja smashed a fantastic six followed by a four to lead his side to a historic victory.
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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2023
Two shots of excellence and composure!
Finishing in style, the Ravindra Jadeja way ????#TATAIPL | #Final | #CSKvGT pic.twitter.com/EbJPBGGGFu
The Super Kings team chased down the revised target of 171 in spectacular manner, clinching the title with a five wicket triumph (DLS method).
Sunil Gavaskar on MS Dhoni electing to bowl first in IPL 2023 final
CSK captain MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to bowl first in the IPL 2023 final on reserve day at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Sunil Gavaskar thought it was the proper decision, considering the likelihood of rain disrupting the game. Gavaskar speculated that Dhoni was aware that the DLS approach may affect the game and hence chose to bowl first.
“Speaking at the toss, MS Dhoni had highlighted that there could be some rain and the DLS method might have a role to play. This was the reason he chose to field. It was the right call. He had considered several things before making the decision.”