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Was IPL 2023 the best IPL ever? Here’s what fans think

Charbel Coorey
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Was IPL 2023 the best IPL ever? Here’s what fans think

Cricket News: Was IPL 2023 the best IPL ever? Here’s what fans think | IPL 2023 fan poll: what did fans think of the tournament?

There have been many memorable matches over the 16 years of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, has there been a better season than the 2023 edition? Have we ever had a playoffs’ race so intense and exciting? Or the sheer number of incredible last-ball finishes, despite there not being a Super Over?

The finish to IPL 2023 was worthy of the season it was. Ravindra Jadeja hit a four and six off the final two balls to hand Chennai Super Kings (CSK) their record-equalling fifth title, sending millions of fans into delirium on a memorable night in the tournament’s history.

We at CricBlog put it to the fans to share their thoughts on the 2023 edition. Over 17,000 participants across Twitter and cricblog.net had their say on some key talking points, including whether 2023 is the best season to date and if the impact player rule should return in IPL 2024.

CricBlog survey: Two-thirds of respondents say IPL 2023 is the best ever edition of the tournament

Cricket News: Was IPL 2023 the best IPL ever? Here's what fans think | IPL 2023 fan poll: what did fans think of the tournament?

67% of respondents believe there hasn’t been a season as good and enthralling as IPL 2023. Not only did this tournament produce the most 200+ totals out of any other, but it was drama and close finishes that captured fans. Also, the progression of young talent including Rinku Singh, Akash Madhwal, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan has made this a memorable IPL.

Should the impact player rule stay or go?

It was almost a 50/50 split regarding the impact player rule. Just over half (51%) said they don’t want the rule to return in IPL 2024, with the belief that cricket should just be 11 against 11. Those in favour said it gives the opportunity for more domestic talent to showcase their skills, with Dhruv Jurel a prime example.

Given the success of IPL 2023 as a whole, it will not be a surprise if administrators persist with this rule next season.

Length of the IPL & most impressive/disappointing teams

61% of respondents said that the current length of the IPL is ‘just right’, compared to 23% who believe it is too long and 16% too short. Interestingly, the tournament could expand to 94 matches within the next four to five years, up from the current 74 over a two-month period.

In terms of the most impressive team, 50% of respondents chose eventual champions CSK, followed by 21% for Gujarat Titans (GT) and 17% for Mumbai Indians (MI). MI were written off by pundits before the tournament and even in its early stages, before the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Cameron Green produced memorable performances with the bat to steer the team to Qualifier 2.

The most disappointing team according to fans was unsurprisingly Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with 37% of votes. The Orange Army arguably had the best auction of any team, but ended up winning just four matches to finish bottom. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) came in second at 23%, pipping Rajasthan Royals (18%) and Delhi Capitals (17%).

Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami were voted best batsman and bowler respectively.

A big thank you to all who voted! If you’d like to check out more of CricBlog’s research involving fans, visit our Future of Cricket survey results to see what the game may look like in the coming years.

IPL 2023 Final Twitter reactions – Jadeja hits 4 and 6 to seal fifth title for CSK & MSD

Shahryaar Mirza
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IPL 2023 Final Twitter reactions – Jadeja hits 4 and 6 to seal fifth title for CSK & MSD

Twitter reactions – Jadeja hits 4 and 6 to seal fifth title for CSK & MSD | Reactions to CSK winning their 5th IPL title

An incredible last-ball thriller saw Chennai Super Kings defeat Gujarat Titans in the Final of the Indian Premier League.

A game that was scheduled to start on Sunday ended about 90 minutes past midnight on Tuesday thanks to the rain that played spoilsport. However, it was worth the wait after two marvellous months of cricketing action, and it all came down to the last ball of the last game of the tournament. It was truly a fitting end to an extraordinary season.

Here is how fans on Twitter reacted to all the key moments of a finale worthy of the tournament that was.

Twitter reactions as CSK win fifth title thanks to Devon Conway and Ravindra Jadeja magic

After more than an hour lost due to rain, CSK’s revised target was 171 in 15 overs after Gujarat posted a mammoth 213. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway got CSK off to a flying start, scoring 72 in the first six overs. Both the openers were dismissed in the 7th over by Noor Ahmed, who was unbelievably good in a high pressure game.

Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu then chipped in with very handy cameos striking at more than 200. Shivam Dube, who hit Rashid Khan for two consecutive sixes at a stage where CSK needed 50 runs off 20 deliveries, remained not out.

But, the man of the moment was, and is, Ravindra Jadeja. He hit a six followed by a four when CSK needed 10 off the last two balls, sealing the record-equalling fifth IPL title for CSK. The local boy from Gujarat helped CSK win what was an absolutely enthralling contest.

https://twitter.com/Cricketracker/status/1663276096589295617?s=20

Sai Sudharsan on the losing side despite playing one of the great IPL Final knocks

Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss, and keeping the rain forecast in mind, decided to bowl first. Deepak Chahar dropped Shubman Gill off Tushar Deshpande’s bowling in the second over of the game. Gill went on to score a quickfire 39, but was then stumped off Ravindra Jadeja, courtesy of a lightning quick stumping from the man who arguably still has the quickest pair of hands, MS Dhoni. Wriddhiman Saha scored a brilliant 54 and laid the perfect platform for the batters to follow. Saha now averages a whopping 87 in IPL Finals.

But, the pick of the batters was the young and stylish, Sai Sudharsan. He started off slow, scoring only 20 in the first 17 deliveries that he faced. From there on, it was acceleration of the highest order from Sudharsan. The youngster was simply toying with the field, and played some stylish shots in the process. He scored a phenomenal 76 runs off the last 30 deliveries that he faced, helping GT post a mammoth total.

Saha made history by becoming the oldest batter to score a 50 in an IPL Final, while Sai Sudharsan became the second youngest to score a 50 in an IPL Final. With his score of 96, Sai Sudharsan also posted the third highest individual score in any IPL Final.

The perfect finish for Ambati Rayudu

On Sunday, Ambati Rayudu took to Twitter to announce that the game against Gujarat Titans would be his last ever in the tournament. That marked the end of what was an illustrious IPL career for Rayudu. He has retired as one of the only nine players to have played over 200 IPL games, and one of the only 15 batters to have scored more than 4000 IPL runs.

A voyage that started in 2010 for Rayudu with Mumbai Indians came to an end this Tuesday following Chennai Super Kings’ victory against Gujarat Giants. For Mumbai Indians, he averaged less than 25 only twice in eight seasons. In the 2011 season, he scored four 50s and scored close to 400 runs, making it his best season under Rohit Sharma’s MI.

For Chennai Super Kings, Rayudu had a dream debut season in 2018 where he scored a staggering 602 runs at an average of 43, striking at almost 150. He also struck at more than 150 in the 2021 season.

He played two potentially match-winning cameos in the Qualifier 1 and the Final this season, and has ended his career on a high. A night that he will remember forever, as Mahendra Singh Dhoni asked him to receive the prestigious IPL trophy. Ambati Rayudu has retired as the most decorated player in the history of the tournament, with six IPL trophies. Only Rohit Sharma has as many as him.

Australia possible 11 for WTC 2023 Final

Charbel Coorey
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Australia possible 11 for WTC 2023 Final

Cricket News: Australia possible XI for WTC 2023 Final | Australia’s possible 11 for WTC Final vs India

With all players available for selection, Australia’s playing XI in Test cricket looks relatively settled. However, there are some form and injury concerns for Pat Cummins’ team, creating some speculation as to what the final playing XI will be for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India.

Australia possible playing XI for 2023 WTC Final: 1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Scott Boland

Key questions for Australia ahead of WTC Final

David Warner’s record in England will be under the spotlight. The opener averages just 26.04 in 13 Tests in the country, with his struggles against Stuart Broad in 2019 still fresh in the mind. His battle against Mohammed Siraj could be key, with the pace bowler having dismissed Warner twice for 36 runs in 70 balls.

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Travis Head represents a settled lineup, but there were some concerns around Cameron Green in the second Qualifier of the 2023 Indian Premier League. Green was struck on the arm by a Hardik Pandya delivery in Mumbai Indians’ chase of 234, which forced him to retire hurt. There were fears he suffered a fracture, but thankfully he came back and finished with 30 off 20 balls.

Green has now arrived in the UK after a short trip back home after the IPL, per cricket.com.au. He had his first training session, with a strong focus on defence to get his game in order for the change in format.

Another injury concern for Australia is Josh Hazlewood. The seamer has been very short on cricket in recent months, only playing a couple of IPL matches. Reports suggest he has been passed fit for the final, but Scott Boland is expected to get the nod despite Hazlewood’s availability according to Dan Brettig from The Age.

The WTC 2023 Final kicks off on 7 June at The Oval. This will be Australia’s first WTC Final. India will be aiming to right the wrongs of the 2021 Final where they lost to New Zealand.

Ahmedabad weather forecast for IPL 2023 Final

Charbel Coorey
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Ahmedabad weather forecast for IPL 2023 Final

Cricket News: Ahmedabad weather forecast for IPL 2023 Final | Weather forecast at Ahmedabad for CSK vs GT IPL Final

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in what shapes up to be a magnificent IPL 2023 final. However, there are some concerns regarding the weather, with some possible thunderstorms and showers forecast from the late afternoon onwards in Ahmedabad.

Rain pelted down at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the lead up to Qualifier 2 between GT and Mumbai Indians. In good news on Friday, the rain stopped in time for only a slightly delayed start, before Shubman Gill wowed all with another magnificent century. There is the possibility of a similar scenario for Sunday’s final.

ALSO READ: IPL 2023 CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction, Possible XIs, Head-to-head Stats and Pitch Report

Ahmedabad weather forecast for IPL 2023 Final between CSK and GT

According to AccuWeather, there is a 51% chance of precipitation at 6pm with the possibility of thunderstorms. The positive news is that conditions should be fine for the start of the match. However, there is 2.6mm of rain predicted from 9pm.

Cricket News: Ahmedabad weather forecast for IPL 2023 Final | Weather forecast at Ahmedabad for CSK vs GT IPL Final
Ahmedabad weather forecast for IPL 2023 Final – source AccuWeather

Despite rain being forecast, it shouldn’t be too severe to cause a no result. There may be some stoppages, but the amount should allow for a result. What this does, though, is potentially place a seed of doubt in the mind of the captain who wins the toss, as chasing could be a tempting move on a ground where the team batting first has won the last five matches.

CSK are gunning for a record-equaling fifth title. GT are aiming for a remarkable second title in just their second attempt. Here is hoping the weather is kind.

ALSO READ: IPL 2023 CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction, Possible XIs, Head-to-head Stats and Pitch Report

IPL 2023 Final CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2023 Final CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2023 Final CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | CHE vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today | Ahmedabad Pitch Report

After so much enthralling action across 73 matches in IPL 2023, it comes down to this. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in a remarkable tenth final, have a shot at a record-equaling fifth title. Standing in their way? Last season’s champions Gujarat Titans (GT), who are looking to achieve the incredible feat of two titles in as many years.

At Chepauk in Qualifier 1, CSK played the near-perfect CSK game to put a chokehold on the GT batting. Conditions at Ahmedabad are different, so how Chennai keep the likes of Shubman Gill quiet will make for riveting viewing. However, as MS Dhoni and the Super Kings have often showed, when there is a will, there is a way.

For GT, how they responded in Qualifier 2 would have been pleasing. Gill’s 129 was as glorious as it was brutal, but how the bowlers held their nerve amid the Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav onslaughts was also an encouraging aspect of the performance. Indeed, another big effort is required here against a deep CSK batting lineup that can go big.

Match Details

  • Date: 29 May 2023.
  • Location: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
  • Time: 7:30pm.
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

IPL 2023 Final: CSK vs GT Possible Playing XIIs

Chennai Super Kings (possible impact player substitute in bold italic): 1. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2. Devon Conway (OS), 3. Ajinkya Rahane, 4. Shivam Dube, 5. Ambati Rayudu, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Moeen Ali (OS), 8. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Tushar Deshpande, 11. Maheesh Theekshana, 12. Matheesha Pathirana

Gujarat Titans (possible impact player substitute in bold italic): 1. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Sai Sudharsan, 4. Hardik Pandya (c), 5. Vijay Shankar, 6. David Miller (OS), 7. Rashid Khan (OS), 8. Rahul Tewatia, 9. Noor Ahmad (OS), 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Mohit Sharma, 12. Josh Little (OS)

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Chennai Super Kings:

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad was player of the match in Qualifier 1 against GT (60 off 44 balls). He also smashed 92 (50) on this ground against GT in the IPL 2023 season opener.
  • Gaikwad has struck 564 runs this season, averaging 62.4 Dream11 points per game.
  • Can Devon Conway overcome his worries against Mohammed Shami? If he does, he can get going, as he often has this season as the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2023 (625 runs).
  • Watch out for Ajinkya Rahane. He has enjoyed success on this ground in the past. In 11 innings, he has scored 425 runs at an average of 47.22 and strike rate of 121.08 in T20s.
  • Ravindra Jadeja was at his best at Chepauk. Can he make an impact at Ahmedabad? The all-rounder has made four 20+ scores in a row and has taken at least one wicket in nine of his last ten matches.
  • Deepak Chahar vs. Shubman Gill could help decide the final. Chahar has dismissed Gill thrice in 47 balls (62 runs), which includes Qualifier 1.

Gujarat Titans:

  • Shubman Gill is in rare form. He has smashed three centuries and a 94* in his past six innings. In IPL matches at Ahmedabad, Gill has hammered 630 runs at an average of 70.00 and strike rate of 157.50.
  • Hardik Pandya looked to have found his groove in Qualifier 2 with 28* off 12 balls against MI. Against CSK, Hardik has scored 187 runs at an average of 23.38 and strike rate of 146.09.
  • If GT are required to chase, David Miller could be one of their very important players in such a big game. When chasing in the IPL since the start of 2022, Miller has scored 451 runs at an average of 75.2 and strike rate of 148.4.
  • Can Mohammed Shami break through the CSK opening stand early? He has never dismissed Gaikwad in the IPL, but has only conceded 46 off 66 balls. Shami has the better of Conway, having dismissed him three times in 12 balls (five runs).
  • Rashid Khan is enjoying his most prolific IPL season wickets wise (27). He takes exactly a wicket per match vs CSK on average and can be a factor with the bat.
  • Mohit Sharma is coming off a five-wicket haul in Qualifier 2. The seamer has shot up to third-place in the wicket-taker chart in IPL 2023 with 24 scalps.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 4, CSK 1, GT 3.
  • Shivam Dube vs. spin will be an interesting battle. He was dismissed by Noor Ahmad in the Qualifier. Out of his 386 runs this season, 292 have come between overs 7-16 (avg. 48.7, SR 151.3).
  • Matheesha Pathirana has taken 2+ wickets in five of his last six games.

Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad Pitch Report and Weather

The team batting first has won the last five matches on this ground. The average first innings score in these matches is 197, boosted by Gujarat’s mammoth 233 against Mumbai Indians on Friday night.

Rain lashed through Ahmedabad and resulted in a wash out last night. There should be no such concerns today, with clear and warm conditions forecast right throughout the day and night.

IPL 2023 Final: CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today Match 29 May 2023

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

IPL 2023 Final CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | CHE vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today | Ahmedabad Pitch Report | CHE vs GT IPL 2023 final dream11 prediction today match
IPL 2023 Final CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Option 2:

IPL 2023 Final CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | CHE vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today | Ahmedabad Pitch Report | CHE vs GT IPL 2023 final dream11 prediction today match
IPL 2023 Final CSK vs GT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2023 Final: CSK vs GT Match Prediction – Who will win?

Is a CSK win written in the stars? Or will the home ground advantage work for GT? Either option is certainly viable. A score of 180+ can be a winning one with two in-form bowling attacks.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

Why is Meg Lanning ruled out of the 2023 Women’s Ashes?

Shahryaar Mirza
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Why is Meg Lanning ruled out of the 2023 Women’s Ashes?

Cricket News: Why is Meg Lanning out of the 2023 Women’s Ashes? | Meg Lanning ruled out of Ashes 2023

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced that the skipper of their women’s team, Meg Lanning, has been ruled out of the upcoming Women’s Ashes. According to the posts on their social media accounts, she has pulled out due to medical reasons.

In her absence, Alyssa Healy, the wicketkeeper-batter, is set to captain the side. Tahlia McGrath is the vice-captain.

Lanning ruled out of 2023 Ashes – Australia to miss their captain

Lanning is one of the most accomplished players and captains ever, not just in women’s cricket, but in all of cricket. In terms of captaincy, she is the most successful captain in cricket history, having won a mind-boggling five ICC trophies as captain. Australia Women have won four of the last five ICC Women’ T20 World Cups under the leadership of Meg Lanning.

Not many months ago, she had also led her side to an ICC ODI World Cup 2022 trophy. Also, the Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 was just another accomplishment for the great leader.

In her last four innings in Test cricket, Lanning averages a whopping 53. Her presence will certainly be missed, not just as a captain, but as a batter as well. Earlier this year, she won the Orange Cap in the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League in India. 

Lanning made a comeback to the national side only in January after taking an extended break from the sport for her mental health.

The only Test will commence on June 22 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Following that, there will be three T20Is and three ODIs. The Aussies would be looking to retain the Ashes, and it would be interesting to see how they manage without their star, Meg Lanning.

We wish her a speedy recovery.

Twitter reactions to stunning Shubman Gill 129 vs MI

Shahryaar Mirza
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Twitter reactions to stunning Shubman Gill 129 vs MI

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to stunning Shubman Gill 129 vs MI | GT vs MI reactions: Gill scores breathtaking 129

In Ian Bishop’s words, Shubman Gill, “The Prince” of Indian Cricket, yet again scored a breathtaking century in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. Having posted a mammoth total of 233 runs in the first innings against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, Gujarat Titans managed to win the game by 62 runs.

The defending champions are now one win away from winning back-to-back seasons of the IPL. In the grand finale, they face a cricketing legend, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and the Chennai Super Kings side led by him.

Gill played one of the finest knocks of this IPL against MI. He was dropped on 30 by Tim David, and he made Rohit Sharma’s side pay for it. In the next 40 balls that he faced, he scored 98 runs, striking at a sensational 245. The flamboyant opener is earning fans with each passing knock of his, and rightfully so. Some of the shots he played left everyone in awe.

GT vs MI Reactions: Fans and pundits reactions to magnificent 129 by Shubman Gill

The 23-year old is proof that one could just be a sweet timer of the ball and still be a great T20 batter. The performance from Gill, under pressure, deserves every bit of the appreciation it has been receiving.

Here are some of the reactions to a classy knock by the very talented Shubman Gill:

List of highest individual scores in IPL playoffs

Charbel Coorey
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List of highest individual scores in IPL playoffs

Cricket News: List of highest individual scores in IPL playoffs | What is the highest individual score in IPL playoffs?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been blessed with superb innings in playoffs matches. 2023 was no different as Shubman Gill played a superb knock against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the second Qualifier, described by Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya as “one of the finest innings I have seen in a T20 game.”

Where does Shubman’s effort rank among other great performances in IPL playoffs? Here is a list of the top three highest individual scores at this stage of a season.

Top 3 highest individual scores in IPL playoffs

1. Shubman Gill: 129 (60) vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2023 Qualifier 2

Gill’s innings is indeed the highest-ever score in a playoffs match. His 129 off just 60 balls in the do-or-die qualifier against MI was his third hundred in four matches in IPL 2023, further confirming his status as one of the world’s best young talents.

Gill struck seven fours and smashed an incredible ten sixes in a show of classy brutality that only a few players can perfect. He made GT pay heavily for a dropped catch when he was on 30, going on to lead GT to a mammoth 233/3 – a total that was 62 too many for MI.

2. Virender Sehwag: 122 (58) vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2014 Qualifier 2

The last time Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) made the playoffs was in 2014. That year, the great Virender Sehwag hammered a memorable 122 off 58 balls at the Wankhede to send Punjab into the final. CSK, who had experience in their ranks in the form of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Ashish Nehra, had very little answers.

Sehwag hit 20 boundaries in total (12 fours, eight sixes) to lead Punjab to 226. Despite Suresh Raina’s very best efforts with one of the most memorable knocks of all-time, CSK fell short by 24 runs.

3. Shane Watson: 117* (57) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2018 Final

2018 was an emotional year for all involved with CSK. The franchise returned to action after two years out, and it was a successful comeback as they lifted the coveted IPL trophy.

At the heart of it was brilliant all-rounder Shane Watson. In pursuit of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s competitive 178 in the pressure of a final, Watson switched into beast mode, hammering 117* off just 57 balls to see CSK to the target with a comfortable nine balls to spare.

It was a great show of strategy too by Watson, who saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan out and then attacked the other bowlers.

WTC Final prize money: How much will the winner get?

Shahryaar Mirza
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WTC Final prize money: How much will the winner get?

Cricket News: WTC Final prize money: How much will the winner get? | ICC announces prize money for World Test Championship 2023

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Friday, May 26th, took to their website and social media accounts to announce the prize money for teams who participated in the World Test Championship cycle of 2021-2023. 

In the introductory 2019-2021 cycle of the World Test Championship, a total purse of $3.8 million was shared between the nine teams. This time around, the pot has remained the same.

WTC prize money for finalists & remaining seven teams

Australia and India, who finished first and second respectively in this cycle of the WTC, will be competing against each other in the WTC final next month. The all-important final is set to take place June 7 onwards at The Oval, London. Like the inaugural edition, the winner is set to receive a staggering prize money sum of $1.6 million. The runners-up would receive the exact half of what the winners would, a still impressive $800,000.

The remaining $1.4 million will be divided amongst the remaining seven teams.

South Africa, who finished third, will be rewarded with $450,000. England, who whitewashed Pakistan in a three-Test series away from home, will be taking home $350,000 after they finished in fourth place.

Sri Lanka would feel they missed out on a massive opportunity to make it to the final. However, they fought extremely hard and contested in what was a last ball thriller, and arguably one of the greatest Test matches ever, against New Zealand. They will bag $200,000 for finishing fifth.

The bottom four teams, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh, will earn $100,000 each for their valiant efforts throughout the cycle.

With the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League coming to an end this Sunday, all eyes would then be on the ICC World Test Championship Final between the two giants, Australia and India. Both the teams have a lot to play for, and they will be playing for more than just the prize money. Prestige and pride on the line, and both the teams would be looking to win the reputable and grand World Test Championship mace.

Will KKR release Andre Russell? A look at his struggles against spin

Shahryaar Mirza
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Will KKR release Andre Russell? A look at his struggles against spin

Cricket News: Will KKR release Andre Russell? A look at his struggles against spin | Analysis: Andre Russell vs spin in IPL 2023

When you talk about power hitting in T20 cricket, one of the first few names that come to your mind would definitely include Andre Russell. Synonymous with destruction, Russell has played some of the most blistering and entertaining knocks that we have seen over the years.

With a strike rate of 174 across his IPL career, Russell is one of the greatest entertainers ever in the tournament’s history. In 96 innings, he has hit a staggering 193 sixes, 43 more than his number of fours in the same period. Among the 65+ batters to have hit at least 50 sixes in IPL history, only Russell and Chris Gayle average more than two sixes per inning.

Why did Andre Russell struggle for KKR in IPL 2023?

However, one could argue that the big man was not at his best this season. This was only the second time since 2015 that he averaged less than 25 and struck at less than 150 in an IPL season. His strike rate of 145 in IPL 2023 would be more than just decent if it was any other player in conversation, Russell has set such high standards for himself.

Cricket News: Will KKR release Andre Russell? A look at his struggles against spin | Analysis: Andre Russell vs spin in IPL 2023

Dre Russ had a single digit score in half of the games this season. In the remaining sseven games, he crossed the 25-run mark just four times. His strike rates were a bit more concerning. In seven out of 14 games, he struck at 100 or less, which is shocking for any batter in this format, but more so for Russell.

However, a certain pattern could be observed this season. In the 10 innings where right-arm legspinners bowled to Russell, the all-rounder was dismissed by them five times. His strike rate of 113.5 against the leggies this season was the second worst for him since 2015, while his average of 8.4 was his worst ever.

In the last two seasons combined, he had a strike rate of 175 against right-arm legspinners, while getting dismissed just twice in 10 innings. This season, it was a different story altogether.

In the home game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Russell holed out first ball. Karn Sharma bowled a flighted one around off, and Russell went after it straightaway. He did not time it well enough and it was easily caught at long-off by the ever energetic Virat Kohli.

Against Gujarat Titans, in what was KKR’s third game of the season, he walked in to bat when KKR required 51 off 25 deliveries. Rashid Khan bowled a googly but failed to get the length right. However, Russell tried pulling the half-tracker way too hard, edged it onto his pads and it went up in the air for the substitute wicketkeeper, Srikar Bharat, who caught it with ease. On another day, the big man would have sent it into the crowd. Later, Rinku Singh went on to hit five sixes in the last over to pull off a historic chase for KKR.

In KKR’s very next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mayank Markande got the better of Russell, making it three dismissals to a legspinner in three innings. Markande bowled a fairly flatter delivery pitching around the leg stump, but the beast from Jamaica could not get hold of it, and it was caught by Marco Jansen who came in from long-on.

In the reverse fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Mayank Markande once again got Russell, who was looking dangerous on the day having scored 24 off 14 before the dismissal. Markande bowled a tempting flighted delivery way outside off, and Russell, taking the bait, went after it. He edged it to backward point, and once again failed to play a sensible, match-winning knock.

Lastly, it was Ravi Bishnoi who scalped the all-important wicket of Russell. It must be said that it was a lovely trap from Bishnoi. The delivery prior to the wicket was slow and tossed up, and it was dispatched for a six over long-off. The very next ball, Bishnoi bowled a quick googly and knocked Russell over.

Whether it was the match situation that made him play those shots or the development of a new weakness remains to be seen. Two of the dismissals came off ordinary deliveries, but credit must be given to the bowlers if that was a plan to bait and trap Russell. In the coming future, it will be a fascinating watch to see captains bring their legspinners into the attack specially for the big hitter from Jamaica.

With Rinku Singh taking over the finishing duties, it will also be interesting to see KKR’s decision regarding Andre Russell’s retention for the next season of the Indian Premier League. Decisions indeed.

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