Chennai Super Kings (CSK) displayed their mettle as they triumphed over a resilient Gujarat Titans team by 15 runs on Tuesday, earning their place in the IPL final for the 10th time. The match, held on a challenging pitch, saw CSK post a commendable total of 172 for 7 after Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya chose to bowl.

Given the conditions, the total proved to be more than competitive, as Gujarat Titans experienced an unusual off day, finishing at 157 all out in their allotted 20 overs. Although Rashid Khan’s quickfire 30 off 16 balls made CSK fans nervous towards the end, it wasn’t enough to secure victory for the Titans.

Nevertheless, the defending champions will have another opportunity to reach the final in the Qualifier 2 match on Friday, aiming for a second successive appearance in the ultimate showdown.

CSK’s master tactician, M.S. Dhoni, skillfully utilized the advantage of playing at home to guide the four-time champions to their 10th final in 14 IPL editions. It’s worth noting that CSK did not participate in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the star performer for the Super Kings, delivering an outstanding spell of 4-18-2. His excellent bowling suffocated the opposition batsmen and avenged the defeat suffered in the tournament opener. Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, and Deepal Chahar also contributed with two wickets each.

During the chase of 173, Gujarat Titans lost Wriddhiman Saha (12) in the third over. Skipper Hardik Pandya (8) failed to make a significant impact at number three, miscuing a cut shot off Theekshana, which was caught by Jadeja at point.

Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka’s limited-overs teams, could not find his rhythm either, as his reverse sweep off Jadeja ended up in the hands of Theekshana. Jadeja further complicated matters for the Gujarat Titans by clean bowling the dangerous David Miller (4), leaving the opposition at 88 for 4 in the 13th over. The Titans faced a further setback when Rahul Tewatia was bowled by Theekshana for 3.

Earlier, the CSK batsmen encountered difficulties on the slow pitch, unable to accelerate the scoring rate. M.S. Dhoni disappointed the Chepauk crowd as he scored only 1 run in just 2 balls.

Among the CSK batters, Ruturaj Gaikwad stood out with an impressive knock of 60 off 44 deliveries, while the rest couldn’t make significant contributions. Pacer Mohammed Shami (2 for 28 in 4 overs) emerged as the pick of the bowlers, with Mohit Sharma (2/31) also claiming two wickets. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed took one wicket each, putting pressure on the CSK batsmen during the middle overs.

Gaikwad had a stroke of luck when he was caught by Shubman Gill off Darshan Nalkande, only for the delivery to be declared a no-ball. He capitalized on the reprieve and played some exceptional shots. Immediately after the let-off, he smashed a six and a four off consecutive deliveries.

Despite facing the spin challenge posed by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed, who were the key bowlers for Gujarat Titans, Gaikwad continued to score freely against all the bowlers.