We have reached the end of the league phases in what has been one of the best seasons in IPL history, breaking and setting numerous records along the road. It was the season with the highest 200+ totals in a single edition of the Indian Premier League (35) [including those by chasing teams]. Devon Convoy became the player to breach the 1000 sixes milestone against the Delhi Capitals in their last league game, threatening to break the record for the most number of sixes in an IPL edition.
In the final doubleheader day of the League stages, Gujarat Titans clinched victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore, securing their spot in the playoffs. Their win eliminated the home side from the race and allowed Mumbai Indians to sneak through for the 4th slot, despite having a negative net run rate but with 16 points, two more than RCB. Initially, hail storms and heavy rains in Bangalore threatened to wash out the game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans.
Gujarat Titans Last 5 Games Momentum Chart
The defending champions, Gujarat Titans, began their season with a victory against the Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad and maintained a spot in the top three throughout most of the league stages. They won 4 out of their last 5 games, concluding the league stages on a high note. In their reverse fixture against the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, they emerged victorious after a previous loss on their home ground in Ahmedabad.
The leg spinner from Afghanistan claimed the Player of the Match award for his exceptional spell of 4 overs, taking 3 wickets and conceding just 14 runs with an economy rate of under 4 runs per over. Furthermore, they secured a 56-run victory in their home game against LSG, with Shubman Gill being recognized as the player of the match for his outstanding knock of 94 runs. However, they suffered their sole defeat against the Mumbai Indians in a reverse fixture at the Wankhede during their last five games of the season.
Chennai Super Kings Last 5 Games Momentum Chart
The Chennai Super Kings started their season with a loss in an away game against the defending champions, Gujarat Titans. However, they made a tremendous return and were in the top four for much of the season. Three of their last five games have ended in victory for the Chennai Super Kings. They also played a washout game against the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) in which the points were split evenly between the two teams. Notably, they defeated their archrivals, the Mumbai Indians, twice this season at Chepauk.
Matheesha Pathirana, the Lankan pacer affectionately known as Baby Malinga due to his resemblance in action, claimed the Player of the Match award for his exceptional spell of picking up 3 wickets, conceding just 15 runs with an economy rate of under 4 runs per over. However, they suffered their only defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk, thanks to a brilliant finish from Rinku Singh who chased a challenging total. Rinku Singh was honoured with the Player of the Match award for his match-winning knock.
Conclusion
Finishing the league stages in the top two slots provides both these teams with an opportunity to gain momentum in the finals. The team that wins the first qualifier will secure a direct path to the finals, while even the losing team will have a second chance to make it to the finals.
