In the IPL 2023 final, Ambati Rayudu played a pivotal role for the Chennai Super Kings, leading them to a 5-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans. Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif highly praised Rayudu’s performance, particularly highlighting the six he hit from the back foot, which he considered the standout shot of the tournament.
Rayudu, who had previously announced that the final would be his last game in the IPL, made sure to maintain the team’s momentum during the crucial match, where they were chasing a formidable target.
“The impact made by Ambati Rayudu was truly game-changing. His innings carried immense importance in the context of the match. The six he struck from the back foot was, in my opinion, the shot of the tournament,” expressed Mohammad Kaif during his appearance on Star Sports’ Cricket Live.
Kaif went on to compare Rayudu’s shot to the iconic six hit by Virat Kohli against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup held in Melbourne the previous year. He acknowledged Rayudu’s emotional state but credited him for concluding his IPL career on such a high note.
The particular shot that Kaif referred to occurred in the 13th over of the Chennai Super Kings’ innings, when Rayudu anticipated a slower delivery from Gujarat Titans’ bowler Mohit Sharma. He skillfully struck the ball over the head of long-off for a massive six.
Gujarat Titans had set a formidable target of 214-4, courtesy of an outstanding innings by young batsman Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan blazed his way to 96 runs off just 47 deliveries, including 8 fours and 6 sixes. Opening batsmen Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha also contributed crucial knocks for the Gujarat Titans.
— Rashmi Tiwary (@RashmiMuz) May 31, 2023
In response to the Titans’ imposing total, the Chennai Super Kings received a solid start from their opening pair, Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, the team led by MS Dhoni required a similar level of aggression in the middle order, which is precisely what Ambati Rayudu delivered.
Rayudu entered the game at a critical juncture and took on Gujarat Titans’ death overs specialist, Mohit Sharma, effectively maintaining the momentum for CSK. Ravindra Jadeja then added a couple of boundaries in the final over, securing victory for CSK in the IPL 2023 final and marking their fifth triumph in the cash-rich league.
