29 May,2023 09:02 AM IST | Ahmedabad | R Kaushik
The covered pitch after heavy rains delayed the start of the IPL final between GT and CSK at Ahmedabad yesterday. Pic/PTI
The gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium, with a capacity well in excess of a hundred thousand, was comfortably more than half-full a good two hours before the scheduled start of the final in anticipation of a cracking contest. But the assembled fans trudged home a disappointed and soaking wet lot as the elements had the final say on Sunday night.
Not a ball was bowled as the rain, which first made an appearance at 6:30 pm, an hour before the scheduled start of the IPL 2023 final between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, simply refused to relent. Having briefly raised hopes more than once by lessening in intensity, it bucketed down from around 9.20 pm, leaving the outfield draped in puddles at several places.
ALSO READ
'Injuries don't define you': Mohammed Shami shares rehab update
Generous gesture! MI's Tilak Varma gifts gloves to young cricketers: Watch
Bairstow picks his top three T20 batters, names toughest bowlers he ever faced
'If I could have played till the end...': KL Rahul on his 'regret' in WC final
IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant set for emotional homecoming vs in-form SRH
The official announcement of an abandonment, at 10.54 pm, was a mere formality. Play could have started as late as 12.06 am for a five-over shootout which would have constituted a game, but that was never on the cards once the final merciless spell arrived.
Also Read: GT vs CSK, IPL Final: Hardik Pandya psyched up in high-octane duel against 'idol' at Motera
The teams will return on Monday night, hoping to get a full game, with the forecast encouraging. If there is no play on the Reserve Day too, the possibility of a Super Over will be considered but if that too is a non-starter, Gujarat will be crowned champions by virtue of having finished higher in the league standings, as per the Playing Conditions.