It is always a treat to watch 10 Indian Premier League teams fighting it out with an eye on the coveted trophy. It is akin to a Formula 1 race, where a group of teams are jostling for places on the points table. So who will win IPL 2023? We will explore that question later. First, let’s go through some of the memorable matches that have taken place so far this season.
The Rinku Fairy Tale
For a start, who can forget Rinku Singh blazing away with five sixes in the last over to take Kolkata Knight Riders past the finish line against Gujarat Titans, the current cup holders? There have been other memorable matches too. For instance, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. In a game full of ebbs and flows, Lucknow came out on top on the back of Nicholas Pooran’s blitz that comprised a slew of sixes.
Kohli and Gambhir Face-off
The return match too had its share of spice, with RCB emerging victorious on the back of impressive performances from the bowlers – Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood and company. There were also some verbal exchanges between Naveen-ul-Haq, Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Kyle Mayers. The two sides have certainly developed an intense rivalry of sorts in the current season of IPL.
Dramatic final overs, and six-hitting feats
What about Punjab Kings’ cliff-hanger against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati? On a track that had considerable dew, Punjab upset their opponents on the back of Nathan Ellis using cross-seam and taking four wickets. Sam Curran also played his part with a brilliant last over to help Punjab defend 197. Incidentally, these two sides have had some close contests over the years. The game between Mumbai Indians and RR too had its share of thrills and spills, with Mumbai emerging victorious. In the final over, the big-hitter Tim David landed three sixes while facing Jason Holder to ensure his side won.
Mohit Sharma, comeback man
Gujarat were involved in one more humdinger, and this time, they ended on the winning side. On a two-paced deck, Lucknow looked well-set to win the game. However, Noor Ahmed and friends put the brakes on the scoring rate and also took key wickets to peg Lucknow back. KL Rahul, the Lucknow skipper, lost momentum. Mohit Sharma then used slower short ones and fuller deliveries bowled outside off to provide the finishing touches as the home team slipped to a gut-wrenching loss.
Chennai remain Kings
How can we leave Chennai Super Kings? They too had a nail-biting contest against Punjab at home. They ended up on the losing side, as Sikandar Raza cracked a four to guide Punjab to a cracking win off the final ball of the match.
Although CSK lost that game, under MS Dhoni’s leadership, they remain favourites to win IPL 2023. It is true that Gujarat are the form side in the tournament. It is also true that they are the defending champions. But CSK have won trophies before, and could do so again this season.