The Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs kicked off on Tuesday as four-time champions Chennai Super Kings defeated holders Gujarat Titans in a blockbuster game at MA Chidambaram Stadium. After being invited to bat, CSK drove on Ruturaj Gaikwad 44-ball 60 to post a total of 172/2 in front of a packed Chepauk crowd. In reply, Shubman Gill, who scored a century in GT’s previous match, scored a gritty 42 off 38 balls, but the defending champion lost the match by 15 runs.
The win moved CSK to their 10th finals while GT will get another bite to the cherry when they face Lucknow Super Giants or Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Friday.
On Wednesday, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that the board will plant 500 saplings for every dot ball thrown in the playoffs. He also revealed that qualifying 1 between GT and CSK got 42,000 saplings, courtesy of 84 scoops.
“We are proud to partner with @TataCompanies in planting 500 saplings for every dot ball in the @IPL playoffs. Qualifier 1 #GTvsCSK got 42,000 saplings, thanks to 84 dot balls. batting game is Bowlers’ it’s all in your hands,” Shah tweeted before the Eliminator between LSG and MI.
We are proud to work together @TataCompanies when planting 500 saplings for every point ball in the @IPL playoffs. Qualification 1 #GTvsCSK got 42,000 saplings, thanks to 84 globules.
Who says T20 is a batter’s game? Bowlers’ it’s all in your hands #TATAIPLGreenDots
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) May 24, 2023
After the match, CSK captain MS Dhoni said that he will make a call regarding his retirement in 8 to 9 months as there is no rush to decide on the future.
There have been speculations that 2023 could be a swan song season for Dhoni.
“I don’t know, I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I have plenty of time to decide. The auction is in December,” Dhoni said during the post-game presentation after he went to CSK their 10th place finish. IPL final.
(with PTI inputs)