The desiderium ends in disappointment — that has been the story for the CSK fans this year. They were loyal, patient and always behind the team. They waited eagerly for the prima donna to arrive — he never did. They waited for the team to peak and forge a comeback — while there were flashes of brilliance, it never quite materialised into consistency. As a result, for the third successive year, they have now failed to reach the playoffs.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans have emerged as one of the most consistent sides in the league in recent times. They finish with 18 points and a pretty healthy net run rate too. However, whether or not they finish in the Top-2 will be determined tomorrow when SRH lock horns with RCB in Hyderabad. Of course, team CREX will be here to call the action. Do join us for it. Our coverage begins at 6:30 PM IST, local time.
For now, this is Darpan Tikiya saying goodbye on the behalf of Ninaad Dixit, Akshay Bhide, Manish Bishnoi, Aman and Paras Yadav. Keep following CREX for more cricketing action from around the globe. Sayonara!
This is just the 4th IPL Season without either of MI or CSK in the playoffs. 2016, 2022 and 2024 were the previous such instances.
Mohammed Siraj (Player of the Match): [on his bowling] "The ball is coming out of the hand really well. I worked on myself and my release when I was sitting out during the World Cup. I saw my videos and got my confidence back.
[on his preparation] I practice with the new ball in the beginning to get an idea about my rhythm then I bowl yorkers for 2-3 overs.
[on his wickets tonight] I am happy to get hit for a four if Sanju drives me first ball on the red soil wicket. It happened in the last match as well.
[on his mindset] I try to build pressure from my end in the powerplay and stay consistent with my areas. If I build pressure, Rabada will take wickets from the other end.
[on recovery] The body is really in good shape. I am feeling well."
Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj
Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans captain): "(The importance of this result) Very important to go in the playoffs with momentum we have had. So, very happy with the result. Even if you look at the first two games we played, we knew were playing good cricket, we just needed to add 5% more. Happy that we did that towards the end of the league stage.
(On what makes his team's bowling more effective than the visiting side) You know that the wicket is good to bat on. The odd good ball is going to go (to the boundary). But it is about backing yourself and hitting the hard lengths consistently.
(On his own batting) Very happy with how am I am batting. When you get out, you always think of what you could have done differently, but overall, I am happy with the way I am going.
(On the catching tonight) Catching was much better. Hopefully we continue to do so.
(On his gesture of silence after the Dube catch) When you are playing such a high emotion game, that kind of thing can happen.
(Is his neck okay?) Yes, neck is okay.
(What extra needs to be done for the playoffs?) It is about keeping up with the good things and deliver game after game with the same impact. We don't need to add anything more. But if we can continue doing what we are doing, it will hold us in good space.
(On the overall journey for the team under his captaincy) After 12 games, we were number 1 in the last season. We lost the last two games. We played the last game against the same opposition. I think they scored 230-odd and we got bundled out for 120 or something. So, there were some flashbacks coming into this game. But we were in the top 2 for the major part last year, same this year. So, I have no complains.
(On the crowd) Grateful for the fans that support us. When you are playing franchises like RCB and CSK, we know that they will have the edge. But its okay."
Most Dot Balls in the Match: Mohammed Siraj (10 Dot Balls)
Super Fours of the Match: Sai Sudharsan (7 Fours)
Super Sixes of the Match: Sai Sudharsan (4 Sixes)
Super Striker of the Match: Shivam Dube (SR 276.47)