GT would be ecstatic with their achievement of setting a daunting target of 214 runs in the IPL 2023 Finals against CSK. The significance of such a massive score cannot be overstated, and GT made the most of the opportunity. CSK’s uncharacteristic fielding errors may prove costly in the final outcome.
Early momentum was gained by GT when Chahar dropped an easy catch, allowing Gill to survive. GT capitalized on this chance, scoring 30 runs in the next two overs. Sudharsan emerged as the game-changer with an extraordinary innings, narrowly missing a century but making a significant impact on GT’s total.
Chasing a target of over 200 runs in an IPL final is a monumental task. CSK, known for their ability to chase down big totals, will need their best performance to surpass GT’s imposing total. The IPL playoffs have seen uncapped players shine, and Sudharsan’s innings is a testament to their exceptional performances.
In IPL playoffs, some teams have managed to set colossal totals on the board, showcasing their batting prowess. The highest team totals include GT’s 233/3, PBKS’ 226/6, CSK’s 222/5, GT’s 214/4, and SRH’s 208/7, leaving their opponents with a mountain to climb.
In the high-intensity atmosphere of IPL finals, bowlers play a crucial role in containing the opposition’s batting line-up and keeping the runs in check. However, there are times when even the best of bowlers face a challenging day on the field, resulting in some embarrassing records etched in IPL history.
Tushar Deshpande, representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), found himself joining an unwanted record during the IPL 2023 finals against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. Deshpande’s bowling figures of 0/56 made him one of the most expensive bowlers in an IPL final.
The record for the most expensive bowling returns in an IPL final was previously held jointly by Shane Watson of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lockie Ferguson of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Watson’s expensive figures of 0/61 came in the 2016 final against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru, while Ferguson conceded the same number of runs without taking a wicket in the 2021 final against CSK in Dubai.
Deshpande’s performance adds him to this unfortunate list, as he ended his spell with none for 56 runs. It was a tough day for the CSK pacer as the GT batsmen took advantage of his bowling and piled on the runs. The innings highlighted the attacking intent of the GT team, who were determined to set a challenging total for CSK.
On a brighter note, one bowler who had a notable performance in an IPL final despite conceding runs was Karanveer Singh of the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). In the 2014 final against KKR in Bengaluru, Singh picked up four wickets but conceded 54 runs in the process. Although his figures were on the expensive side, Singh’s wickets played a crucial role in restricting KKR’s total.
While Tushar Deshpande may have joined the list of bowlers with expensive returns in an IPL final, it is important to acknowledge that cricket is a game of uncertainties. Bowlers play a pivotal role in the team’s success, and one off day should not define their abilities. The IPL has witnessed remarkable bowling performances over the years, showcasing the talent and resilience of the players in the face of intense competition.
Most expensive bowling returns in IPL finals
0/61 – Shane Watson (RCB) vs SRH, Bengaluru, 2016
0/56 – Lockie Ferguson (KKR) vs CSK, Dubai, 2021
0/56 – Tushar Deshpande (CSK) vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2023
4/54 – Karanveer Singh (PBKS) vs KKR, Bengaluru, 2014