CSK VS GT: All You Need to Know about the Reserve Day of the IPL 2023 Final

The final match of IPL 2023 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) was rescheduled to the Reserve Day due to continuous rain at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The heavy rainfall not only led to the cancellation of the closing ceremony but also delayed the toss. Despite intermittent breaks in the rain, the conditions were not suitable for the match to proceed.

The cut-off time for a full 20-over match was set at 9:35 PM, while a five-over match could have started as late as 12:06 AM. Unfortunately, this was the first final in IPL history to be affected by rain. In the entire season, only one match had been washed out, coincidentally involving the Chennai Super Kings against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

There was a glimmer of hope as the rain briefly subsided just minutes before the cut-off time for a full match. The umpires, players, and team officials came onto the field to inspect the pitch after the covers were removed. However, the rain returned, forcing everyone to retreat back inside. The ground staff quickly covered the pitch again. The weather forecast had indicated a 60% chance of rain for the final, and unfortunately, heavy showers disrupted the title clash on Sunday. There is also a possibility of rain in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Earlier, the start of Qualifier 2 between the Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians had been delayed by 30 minutes due to rain. However, the ground staff acted promptly, ensuring a full game was possible as the rain stayed away. The Gujarat Titans went on to win by a convincing 62-run margin, with Shubman Gill’s spectacular innings of 129 guiding them to a total of 233 for 3 in their 20 overs. In response, the Mumbai Indians managed only 171 runs.

CSK VS GT: What Will Happen if the Reserve Day Gets Washed Out?

Although the rain began to ease off after 10:15 PM, the outfield remained soaked. Rod Tuckers, one of the officiating umpires for the final, expressed concern, stating that if it continued to rain at 11 PM, it would be challenging for the ground staff to prepare the field for a five-over match, which could have started from 12:06 AM. Despite the rain stopping a few minutes before 11 PM, play could not commence on Sunday as there was insufficient time for the ground staff to ready the field before the five-over match cut-off time.

On the reserve day, the playing conditions remain largely unchanged. The deadline for a complete 20-over match is set at 21:45 IST. If a five-over match cannot be held by then, the cut-off time for a Super Over is 23:56 IST. However, if the match is entirely abandoned due to rain, the team that secured a higher position in the points table, which is the Gujarat Titans, will be declared the winners.