The TATA IPL 2023 came to an end on Monday, with Chennai Super Kings beating Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final. As we did throughout this season, we fought hard until the end, but a great finish from Ravindra Jadeja helped CSK take the honours. 

Earlier in the match, Sai Sudharsan’s terrific knock got us to a huge total batting first. The youngster brought up his third half-century of the season, probably the best of the lot, which included many delightful shots. He fell four short of a well-deserved hundred, but capped off the season brilliantly. 

“Last match, I felt a lot of pressure. I understood after that game that I must be calmer in match situations. I felt a bit calmer this match and it helped,” Sudharsan said, talking about his innings. 

“I’m learning a lot to be honest. Regarding this game, it was more about taking the game a little deeper and it was important to keep ticking the scorecard as well. I was taking the right chances and tried to take the game deep as well.”

Talking about his preparation heading into this TATA IPL 2023, Sai Sudharsan said, “I have focused on developing the mental aspects more this season. I was preparing how to be ready for the matches, how to remain aware in crunch situations and obviously, the skill part as well.” 

“Definitely very happy and grateful to contribute to the team, but also a little sad that the result didn’t go our way,” he added. 

Sudharsan also had a special praise reserved for teammate Vijay Shankar. 

“We use the time to discuss a lot of cricket things. This TATA IPL season in particular, we discussed a lot, shared thoughts and it has helped me a lot. Even just before the final, he gave me some thoughts and it was very useful for me. We use the time to banter and have fun as well, but it involves a lot of cricketing thoughts,” he said.  

Vikram Solanki, our Director of Cricket, was delighted with the youngster’s performance as well. “Sai worked a lot from last season to this season to become a better version of himself. That’s what we expect from our players, to become a better version of themselves and be prepared to play strong, competitive cricket,” Solanki said. 

Solanki also congratulated Chennai Super Kings for their fifth TATA IPL triumph and also emphasised on the brand of cricket we played this season. 

“I want to congratulate CSK as well, it is a great story for a number of reasons. We are grateful to have played our part in a fabulous final. I’d like for us to remember that we competed till the last ball of the season and worked extremely hard. This is what the Gujarat Titans is all about, working hard and trying to capitalise on every opportunity, there’s no better example than this final,” Solanki said.  

“We can be very proud of what we achieved this year. We had a fabulous first season and it was important for us to show that we could compete and top the table, as we did. We played a great brand of cricket that took us so close in this final as well, and we did well against exceptional teams.” 

It has been a memorable season for the Gujarat Titans and our results were a testament of every individual involved with the team giving their best. Solanki also took  a moment to appreciate the players, coaching staff and the support staff for their contribution this season.

“I would like to thank each and every one of the coaches, support staff who worked extremely hard this season. The entire staff who made this season so memorable, every stage of it was enjoyable. 

“I want to thank all of the players for their efforts, they’ve been outstanding in their willingness to work and learn. They bought into what we expect from this team and it is the players’ team. They have a huge influence in how we go about things. Ashish Nehra has been outstanding. Him and Hardik moulded the team into what it is. Fabulously proud of everyone involved,” Solanki said.  

Although the final result didn’t work in our favour, our Titans returned with plenty of top honours. Shubman Gill was named the “Most Valuable Player” of the season and he also took the Orange Cap for scoring 890 runs in 17 matches, while Mohammad Shami’s 28-wicket tally earned him the Purple Cap.