CSK vs GT- who will lift the trophy if another washout tonight? Possible Scenarios IPL 2023 Final

 

Rain played spoilsport on Sunday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT). Incessant rain coupled with a hailstorm in Ahmedabad forced the organizers to push the contest by a day and fans will be praying for some mercy from the rain god.

Going by the available data, fans should expect a full 40-over contest between the two legends. However, a partly cloudy sky is expected in the evening and the wind speed may be between 10-15 km/h.

Despite the positive signs, one cannot guarantee that rain will again hamper proceedings on the reserve day at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

What are the possible scenarios?

• As on Sunday, if the start of the contest is delayed due to rain, no overs will be wasted if play starts before 9:40 pm. Any further delay would mean a reduction in overs.
• The rescheduled timings are as follows: 9:45 PM for the 19-over game, 10:00 PM for the 17-over game, and 10:30 PM for the 15-over game.
• 12.06 is the cut-off time, which means that this is the last time for five-over-a-side matches.
• If this is also not possible then the match goes to super over. For this, the outfield and pitch should be ready by 1.20 pm.
• If the Super Over doesn't happen, Gujarat will walk away with the title as they are above Chennai Super Kings on the points table. Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat collected 20 points and topped the table. Chennai had scored 17 points during the league stages and was placed second on the table.

However, there is a possibility that rain may interrupt the proceedings in the middle of the competition.

• If the rain comes in the middle of the first innings and lasts for a sufficient time period, the overs will be reduced to accommodate both sides' batting.
• If the first innings are held smoothly and rain washes out the second innings completely, GT will go home with the title.
• If the first innings are played and there is rain interruption after five overs of the second innings, the DL (Duckworth-Lewis) rule will apply.
• If the match goes under DL rules but still play is not possible then GT will win the title.

Chennai eye their fifth IPL crown, while Hardik Pandya's Gujarat aims to extend their legacy by winning back-to-back titles.