Will Gujarat Titans Win IPL 2023?
IPL finals ave been delayed due to bad weather. Will the final happen or will Gujarat directly take away the cup?
Two months back, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings had kickstarted the blockbuster season against defending champions Gujarat Titans. On Sunday 28 May 2023, the two teams were up against each other at the same venue in the season’s final match with the prestigious IPL trophy up for grabs.
Ahead of the start of the final in Ahmedabad, an image from the venue created a furor on social media with many claiming the IPL 2023 final to be fixed. It was an image of the giant screen with the words written “Runner up Chennai Super Kings” written on it. Well, what it might be was a screen test before the big final and hence a similar message might have been run for the Gujarat Titans team as well. This led to people speculating that the IPL may be fixed. The weather conditions took an unfavourable turn just half an hour before the scheduled toss, catching everyone off guard. It started raining very heavily.
Swift action was taken by the ground staff as they hurriedly covered the centre with two layers of protective sheets, ensuring the pitch and the run-up areas for fast bowlers remained shielded. The waiting game continued after the toss got delayed. The intensity plunged around 9:15 PM as the covers came off. Players and officials from both teams were out on the field. However, they returned to their respective dressing rooms as the rain picked up speed. Whenever it rains, there are certain rules for the match.
As per the IPL rules, the match starts at 7:30 pm. If it starts raining, then the match can start anytime between 7:30 pm to 9:35 pm IST. If the match starts between this time, a full 20-over match will be played. However if the match starts after 9:35 pm, then overs start getting deducted. Meaning the match can be played for 18 overs, 15 overs, or whatever is decided by the officials.
If after 9:35 pm it continues to rain, The game must start as late as 12:06 am IST for a five-over-per-side game. After that, the match is moved on to the reserve day. However yesterday it was raining too much. At 10:55 pm, it was announced that the match will be moved to Reserve Day. The match will be held today at the same stadium. If it rains today then the same rules will apply. But there is one more rule, especially for Reserve Day.
If after 12:06 am it continues to rain, then there is also an option of a Super Over taking place but for that, the pitch must be ready latest by 1:20 am. In case the reserve day is also entirely washed out, the team finishing higher in the league stage will walk away with the trophy. Hence, GT topped the league stage with 20 points, while CSK had 17 points. As the skies continue to pour down, the fate of the final hangs in the balance, creating an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation among fans and players alike.
According to the terms and conditions, a full refund is made if a particular match is either cancelled or abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Tickets for Sunday were valid for Monday as well. However, those who will not be able to attend Monday’s match can cancel their online purchase and get a full refund.
