IPL 2023 Final: Everything You Need to Know

 The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is reaching its climax as the final match will be played on May 28 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This stadium is the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. The IPL 2023 final will be a spectacle to behold as two power-packed teams will clash for the coveted trophy and glory.

Who are the finalists?

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have qualified for their 10th IPL final by defeating the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. CSK are led by the legendary MS Dhoni and have a balanced squad with experienced players like Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo. CSK have won the IPL title four times and will be looking to add another one to their cabinet.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have made it to their seventh IPL final by beating the Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator and the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. MI are captained by Rohit Sharma and have a formidable team with stars like Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. MI are the defending champions and have won the IPL title six times, the most by any team.

What are the key battles?

The IPL 2023 final will feature some exciting contests between bat and ball. Here are some of the key battles to watch out for:

• Rohit Sharma vs Deepak Chahar: The MI skipper is one of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket and has scored over 500 runs in this season. He will face a tough challenge from CSK’s new-ball bowler Deepak Chahar, who has taken 18 wickets and has an economy rate of 7.32.
• Faf du Plessis vs Trent Boult: The CSK opener is the leading run-scorer of this season with 684 runs at an average of 57. He will be up against MI’s left-arm pacer Trent Boult, who has taken 22 wickets and has an economy rate of 8.01. Boult has dismissed du Plessis twice in this season and will look to repeat that feat in the final.
• Ravindra Jadeja vs Kieron Pollard: The CSK all-rounder is having a phenomenal season with both bat and ball. He has scored 403 runs at a strike rate of 161.20 and has taken 16 wickets at an economy rate of 6.76. He will face a stiff competition from MI’s power-hitter Kieron Pollard, who has scored 387 runs at a strike rate of 194.97 and has also chipped in with nine wickets.
• Jasprit Bumrah vs MS Dhoni: The MI spearhead is one of the best death bowlers in the world and has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of 6.89. He will have a crucial role to play in the final overs against CSK’s finisher MS Dhoni, who has scored 281 runs at a strike rate of 140.50 and has hit 18 sixes.

How to get tickets?

The tickets for the IPL 2023 final are available online on Paytm Insider. The ticket prices range from ₹1000 to ₹25000 depending on the category and location of the seats. The tickets can be booked using RuPay cards for exclusive access basis availability.

However, there has been chaos among fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium amid rush to collect print tickets for the IPL 2023 final. Many fans have complained about long queues, lack of social distancing and mismanagement by the authorities. The BCCI has urged fans to follow COVID-19 protocols and cooperate with the security personnel.

How to watch online?

The IPL 2023 final will be broadcast live on Star Sports network in India and on Hotstar app and website globally. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST on May 28.

Who will win?

The IPL 2023 final is expected to be a thrilling contest between two of the most successful teams in the history of the tournament. Both CSK and MI have a strong fan base and a rich legacy of winning titles. Both teams have also shown great form and consistency throughout this season.

However, based on their head-to-head record, MI have a slight edge over CSK. MI have won 19 out of their 32 matches against CSK, including four out of their five finals. MI have also won both their league matches against CSK this season.

Therefore, MI are likely to win their seventh IPL title by defeating CSK in a close encounter. But GT won their match against MI and now its CSK vs GT finals.