The IPL 2023 final was once again hit by rain on May 29, and play was delayed significantly. Here is how people reacted to the delay online.

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Players and fans returned to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hopeful of better weather, after rain curtailed any chance of play on May 28. However, after Gujarat Titans completed their innings uninterrupted to pile on 214-4, the rain returned just three balls into Chennai Super Kings’ chase.

Although the downpour did not last long, play was stopped for over two hours. Water had seeped into one of the side pitches before the ground staff could fully cover it. The area soaked was a zone where fielders would have run across, so play could not resume until it could be thoroughly dried. When the players eventually returned, it was past midnight. In other words, the match had entered its third day.

There was some criticism of the ground staff on Twitter for not covering the most critical areas of the field in time.

Others also commented on the tools the ground staff had to clear-up the playing surface.

Concerns were also raised about future high-profile matches held at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The ground is reportedly set to host several matches at the Cricket World Cup in India later this year.

Thankfully, the match was able to get underway again, and CSK’s target was adjusted to 171 in 15 overs. Devon Conway struck 47 runs off 25 balls before Ajinkya Rahane played a blistering innings to propel Chennai towards the target. With 10 needed in two balls, Ravindra Jadeja hit Mohit Sharma for six and four to help Chennai lift their fifth trophy.

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