Chennai Super Kings (CSK) claimed their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title in a thrilling final against Gujarat Titans, putting them on par with the Mumbai Indians as the most successful team in the history of the league. In a rain-affected match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, CSK needed a last-ball four from Ravindra Jadeja to seal a famous victory.
The key to CSK’s success was the formidable opening partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. The duo set the stage for a successful run chase with a rapid 74-run stand. Throughout the IPL 2023 season, Gaikwad and Conway proved to be a potent combination, accumulating an impressive 849 runs together, making them the second pair to surpass the 800-run milestone.
They were eclipsed only by Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, the star opening act for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who amassed a remarkable 939 runs as a partnership. Gaikwad and Conway concluded the campaign with an outstanding average of over 55 as an opening pair, with their aggregate the third-highest on the all-time list for a single IPL season.
CSK’s triumph was a collective effort, but the Gaikwad-Conway association played a crucial role in their success. Gaikwad’s consistency and Conway’s aggressive strokeplay provided the team with a solid foundation. Their performances not only earned personal recognition but also significantly contributed to CSK’s overall triumph. The partnership set the tone for the middle order, enabling them to confidently chase down challenging targets.
“This one was more special because how last year went for us,” said Gaikwad after the game. “To come back in style, to win games at Chepauk and to win away games. The way everyone contributed through the season. (Ajinkya Rahane) Jinks, (Devon) Conway. (Ambati) Rayudu wasn’t getting balls. Would like to dedicate the win to Rayudu. Even today, we were talking about having a good start. With wickets in hand, we thought we’ll easily chase down 12-13 an over in the end.”
“I think just positive intent, swing for the hills,” said Conway of his strategy after being named man of the match for his 25-ball 47. “It has been great batting with Rutu (Gaikwad), such a clean hitter of the ball. Our partnership has worked really well, left-right combination and we enjoy our game together. I think it has been great, the environment here is really great. Happy that we are heading in the right direction and great to be part of this group.”
Most partnership runs in a season
939 – Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers (RCB, 2016)
939 – Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (RCB, 2023)
849 – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway (CSK, 2023)
791 – David Warner, Jonny Bairstow (SRH, 2019)
756 – Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK, 2021)