Defending champions Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans take on four-time champions Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in the final of the IPL T20 series tonight at 7.30pm at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Defending champions Gujarat Titans, who topped the league table with 20 points this season, lost to Dhoni-led CSK by 15 runs in the Qualifier Round-1 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepakkam. However, Gujarat Titans bounced back from this defeat in the Qualifier-2, defeating the league’s most successful team and 5-time champions Mumbai Indians by 62 runs in the final round.
The fact that the final will be held in Ahmedabad is seen as a positive thing for Gujarat. If the team wins today’s match, they will become the first team to win consecutive IPL series in the first two attempts. Opener Shubman Gill, who has scored 3 centuries in the last 4 games, is expected to give a tough challenge to the CSK bowlers.
Rithiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar and Sai Sudarsan are also contributing in the batting at required times. At the same time, Gujarat team is strong in bowling. Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma dominate the top 3 wicket takers list this season.
Shami in the powerplay, Rashid Khan in the middle overs and Mohit Sharma in the final overs have been the turning point by taking wickets. Along with them, Noor Amakatu and Joshua Little are also adding strength. This bowling combination is ready to put pressure on the CSK batting line-up.
Dhoni-led CSK is on course to win the title for the 5th time. If they win today’s match, CSK will equal Mumbai Indians’ record of most titles. As usual, this time too, Dhoni has harnessed the potential of the young players.
While Daven Conway is a steady opener in the batting, Ruduraj Gaekwad is a suitable spinner. Shivam Dube’s ability to hit sixes adds strength to the team. Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu have contributed in the opportunities that have been given to them even though they have not got much opportunity to bat.
Dhoni’s cameo with them adds to the finale. Ravindra Jadeja’s return to batting form has also boosted the team’s strength. In terms of bowling, Deepak Chahar’s swing in the opening overs has put pressure on the opposition. In the middle overs, Deeksana and Ravindra Jadeja are the ones controlling the run accumulation. Madisha Pathirana and Tusshar Deshpande are performing well in the final overs. They may try to put pressure on Gujarat’s batting line-up.
Prize money of Rs.20 crore: In the final of the IPL series, the winning team will get Rs 20 crore and the 2nd place team will get Rs 13 crore. 3rd placed Mumbai Indians team Rs. 7 crores and Lucknow Supergiants who finished 4th will get Rs.6.50 crores.
Music Rain…: Just like the opening ceremony of IPL, an art program has been organized before the final match. Tonight at 7.30 pm the finale will be preceded by a concert featuring popular singers King, DJ Nuclea, Divine and Jonita Gandhi.
