It has really been a while since I felt the urge to type words for my blog but with Chennai Super Kings banging their fifth IPL trophy, I couldn’t find a better reason to pen a candid and personal write-up.
As far as I remember, IPL has played a vital role in our household during summer vacations. For a fact, the fever is not only bound to our region. Since 2008, the Indian Premier League has been more of a celebration for the entire nation and a door of possibilities to aspiring new faces. It is fair to say that I grew up watching the league get bigger and fancier through the years. Some of the seasons were enjoyed thoroughly, while a few had to be skipped or peaked at due to my board exams or other reasons.
From mimicking zoozoos, “Jumping Japang Jumpak Jumpak” becoming the nation’s anthem, CSK excluded and then included, to 10 teams battling for the title, I have sat through the seasons with my hearty investment for the men in yellow.
Divided in colours and united in spirits, the league once again made the most anticipated announcement of the sixteenth season happening in 2023. Like every other season I decided to keep an eye on CSK’s line-up and check on them then and there even if I can’t endow my fullest for the entire season. Following the auctions and preparations for the tournament, I still remember the day when we received the estimated time frame of the league. “Amma, IPL is happening till May end!! How is that possible?” My mom on the other side of our hallway, gave one of her annoyed expressions, making me realise that's how things have been happening through the years. It is just that I haven’t been giving much attention for the past few years. Fortunately, this year I had the chance to sit through the season and enjoy most of the matches, scream, lose my mind and be on the verge of passing out in almost all the matches.
Through the Season
The entire season was indeed a treat as I enjoyed most of the cricketers bang some of the biggest runs, craziest wickets, slashing centuries and unpredictable wins. That’s the actual beauty of T20 matches, they just never let you rest but keep you on the edge of your seats with every ball’s turn. Chennai Super Kings as a team was a slow bloomer, making a measured move on the table. On the other hand, teams such as Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals sent a chill down my spine. They seemed to be the unbeatable beasts with a strong line-up ready to charge at any team that’s on their way between them and the title. The men in navy in particular being last year’s champions, with a strong line-up started giving me actual Heebie-Jeebies. They seemed like the unbeatable expendables literally and figuratively. And CSK’s first match of the season with GT on March 31st only augmented my fears.
Meanwhile, we had both national and international cricketers as individuals making a name for themselves in the arena. Unfortunately, the game of cricket is celebrated as a team game and we had to witness some of the icons’ tireless efforts go in vain this season. Though I don’t want to sound mean, I was a little at ease that I was on the side of winning in most of the matches.
The New Men in Yellow
With our team, Chennai Super Kings, 2023 did see a massive change in the yellow line-up and I was initially a bit hesitant or even a bit worried looking at the new faces. Though our captain, MS Dhoni had a knack in magnifying the unsung players' potential worldwide, I am sure many will agree with me when I say, “I missed the “US” element in this year’s team”. Out of the blue, nostalgia hit me hard this year. To make it worse, an Instagram reel from the Chennai Super King’s official page reminiscing the yesterdays with players like Albie Morkle, Dwayne Bravo, Suresh Raina, Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ravichandran Ashwin stung my heart. Propitiously, promising faces like Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar and Ambati Rayudu kept my boat of hope sailing. I don’t mind if we have different opinions with Rahane and Rayudu on our side, personally, I have witnessed these two do wonders in their previous teams and was very much hopeful to be prepared for their show. Likely, they did.
Mates like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Maheesh Teekshana, Matheesha Pathirana took me by surprise. Especially listening to stories of how Dhoni found the talent of the youngest pal, Pathirana and roped him in CSK really defined how our clan’s captain stood out in picking the selective players. The following matches, the wins and losses were reasonable and kept me certain that we will for sure be ending up as one among the top four teams.
The TATA IPL 2023
The sixteenth edition had its own dramas and records to break. One of my favourite initiatives of the season was the practice of planting 500 trees for every dot ball. To my mind, it was indeed a sweet gesture of giving back to nature and to kindle the minds of viewers. As the 60-day season prolonged, we got to witness some of the unforgettable massive centuries and not to forget our personal favourite ones from our homies, Virat Kholi and Shubman Gill. Meanwhile, the atmosphere wasn’t all about confetti falling as unfavorable conditions had its hand in a few franchises. I was very much unhappy with KL Rahul stepping down from captaincy and missing the season due to his injury. But yes, that’s what the game of the nation is all about, you expect the unexpected and make hay when the sun shines.
The New Found Love
Undoubtedly, Shubman Gill became the newfound love for me or maybe for the entire nation. While typing these lines, I remember the exact words I told my mom as I watched him score a century against Mumbai Indians on 26th of May. “Amma, I found love”. As per my mom’s saying, I find love every weekend and I will shamelessly agree to it. Getting back, his contribution of 576 runs as part of GT is definitely appreciable. With three consecutive centuries, the man ended the season with the titles “Gamechanger of the Season”, “Most Valuable Player of the Season” and finally securing the most deserved orange cap.
Shubman Gill is Here to Kill
While going through social media posts, I happened to read a lot of posts and statements saying that the future of Indian cricket lies in the safe hands. And no one would dare to disagree after seeing the player’s credibility in the field. Titled as the prince of Indian cricket, the youngest orange cap winner did stage a show that we all loved.
In a big picture, the future of Indian cricket is not only in a pair of hands but a bunch. With emerging players like Sai Sudharsan, Venkatesh Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Ashok Yadav sprouting high, we have another promising era ahead.
The PlayOffs
A team making it to the playoffs is worthy of a celebration while realising most of the teams barely made it. We had the privilege to enjoy wins and as a cherry on top, ended up beating Gujarat Titans for the first time ever and landed as the first finalists of 2023.
Long story short, neither the experts nor I were 100% sure about a win but glad we did. Beating the team that’s on the top of the table definitely eased our wounds and made us hopeful for this year’s trophy. Gujarat Titans at this point have become a team of comrades I enjoyed watching on T.V. They weren’t the scary expendables anymore and the reason is not just Shubman Gill, trust me. I enjoyed the bunch, the energy they had, the thrive in every player and most of all, the show they put up for the audience. Probably they made most of our jaws drop by making a way into the finals. Speaking of GT, I must definitely mention their captain, Hardik Pandya. Man, I fell in love, again, yes I know but I have my genuine reasons. As for their coach, people can call him whatever they want but as for me, I would say that Ashish Nehra indeed did a brilliant job in stringing these players together, leading to both the orange cap and purple cap staying in the same team and pushing the eleven to the finals once again.
Rain Rain Go Away
No matter how much I adore Gujarat Titans’ strategy and (whispers) their players, my heart wanted to beat at the sight of yellow men lifting the trophy. Almost two months of waiting supposedly came to an end on 28th of May. My very morning began with anticipation for the forthcoming match in the evening. We were excited, we were nervous, we were ready. Experts had their stats, we had our beliefs but nature had its plans. The downpour on GT’s home ground, Ahmedabad, inhibited the Kings and Titans from becoming champions of the year.
Muddled with too many questions, I still stayed glued to my seat looking forward to factual updates. The initial discussions were on reducing the overs of the match and am sure most of us did not want a final to end in five overs. After the wait which felt like forever, we were announced that it will be a “Reverse Day”. The match was postponed to the next day, raising our blood pressure to the next level.
A Three-Day Final Match
The most anticipated final was finally happening at 7:30pm on the following day (29-05-2023) with MS Dhoni winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Woah! I agree, the blood rush and chills during chasing is enthralling but my heart has become weak as I got older. As expected, the batting line-up of Gujarat Titans did not disappoint us. With my mom’s deadly stares coming across the hall with every Gill’s strike, I almost found a spot near my dogs to sleep that night. But the poor soul had to save me by being dismissed with just 39 runs for 20 balls. The unscripted twist was Sai Sudharsan taking over from where Gill left. Sincerely speaking, I was totally for Sai slashing those boundaries. I bet most of our Tamil Nadu people were tongue tied watching him stage the show. With 214 on the board, the Titans finished off the first half with style. Securing the highest final total in history, the time has finally come for the defenders.
The second half started off with Ruturaj Gaikwad hitting a boundary followed by the uninvited guest; the rain. For almost three hours, we had to sit hoping for the game to resume. With an announcement stating that CSK had to score 171 in 15 overs to be titled as champions. I wasn’t very happy but at least we got to experience 15 overs instead of 5. Hence, the game began at 12:10 am. I am not sure if you will agree with me or not, but the batting line-up of the team yellow showed what real teamwork is on the day of the final. Every batsman had a role to play and delivered it right. MAN!! Didn’t we just love how Rahane, Dube and Rayudu’s delivery eased our souls. The pressure was still on with Mohit Sharma scooping those wickets and the partnership of Dube and Jadeja almost struggling to find gaps as CSK had 13 more runs in 6 balls between them and the title.
Fastforward, we needed 10 runs in just 2 balls, and it already felt like forever. When the yellow army’s world almost came crashing down, the ultimate star of the momentum, Jadeja swept a six and four, titling Super Kings as the winners of the season. What seemed impossible was made possible by the man who under crushing pressure has done it AGAIN. The irony of life struck me hard when I remembered #ThalaDharissanam trending all over the world and most from the crowd wanting Jadeja to lose his wicket so they could witness Dhoni. No hate here but the memes and placards were wild and disturbing. Now, look at the man. He made the way for us to celebrate today. Is this what we call Karma? Maybe.
The Unforgettable Farewell
In disbelief, I literally fell off my chair as Jadeja scored. With tears of joy playing peek-a-boo on the brim of my eyes, CSK became champions of the season. The win meant so much to the players, especially to Rayudu as he bid his farewell, and to us, it meant everything. What will stay forever in our hearts is when Jadeja came running towards Dhoni after the win and the captain just lifting him up in one big tight hug. We got a glimpse of Dhoni’s eyes closed tight while hugging his mate and we know what an emotional win it is. The man who is known for his coolest presence was even shaken by the unimaginable win. It was a little disheartening to see the Titans leave the field disappointed but again, my heart had more rooms for the celebration.
The presentation ceremony at its grandeur did honour the Gujarat Titans as the runner up and yes, the best part is where Shubman Gill took home four prestigious awards including the orange cap. Followed by Mohammad Shami taking home the purple cap. Hardik Pandya’s acceptance speech is where he secured my love and respect. His optimistic and hearty wishes for Dhoni and the team was heartfelt and genuine. I almost teared up when he said, “If I had to lose, I don’t mind losing to him”.
After all the screaming and shouting, MS Dhoni as humble as ever let Rayudu and Jadeja lift the trophy. The mates joy and excitement clearly had no bounds as the trophy circled among them and finally reached the youngest champ, Pathirana. With MS Dhoni’s hopeful words of his possible return in the next season, the fans couldn’t cheer any louder for the winners.
Yes, we finally got to close the season with a three-day final match and what a win it was. Suddenly, 2023 seems to be a year of positivity and possibilities, thanks to our men in yellow. And as we finish this year's IPL on a winning note, I am even more excited for the novice players who got a high pedestal this season to keep dreaming and achieving big.
To all the national and international players who got to be part of this 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, thank you for your hard work. Thank you for entertaining us and keeping our evenings busy. We (I) will miss you guys! Until next time! I Yellove You!
Note: (Image credits to the respective owners)
Such an exciting to read article!!✨ Loved the whole experience of reading this, you're soo good at encapsulating the excitement 💛
The depth and clarity of your thoughts showcased in your writeup are nothing short of inspiring my dear Anth. I relived the match once again, thanks for this captivating article. I yellove your talent! ❤️😍
Reading this is making my eyes water again 🥹🥹
What a season.. what a match.. what a win..
Awesome work akka! 💞
#yellove 💛
yellove
A very well written article on IPL with interesting anecdotes. I yellove your article 💛