'We're in a lot of trouble': Umpire before CSK vs GT IPL final was called off
As the clock ticked towards the possibility of a reserve day, umpires Nitin Menon and Rod Tucker addressed the conditions.
Crickate
The anticipated spectacle of the IPL 2023 final turned out to be a lengthy, frustrating evening as relentless rain in Ahmedabad prevented the match between the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans from taking place... at least for now. The victor of the 2023 IPL season will be determined on a reserve day for the first time in the league's 16-year history, assuming that the weather cooperates.
From 7 to 11 p.m., spectators, players, experts, and everyone awaited the event. Around 9 p.m., when the rain momentarily stopped, they were most close to imagining a departure. The field was uncovered, and the players and officials were out to evaluate it. But just as things appeared to be improving, a light drizzle returned and grew denser as the night progressed. After four hours of disappointment, the game was finally called off.
As the clock approached the possibility of a reserve day, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the two official umpires for the evening – Nitin Menon and Rod Tucker – addressed the weather, which effectively sealed Sunday's fate. When asked if there was still a chance for a shortened match, the officials provided information that everyone anticipated but refused to acknowledge.
Nitin Menon: "Around 9 p.m., the conditions were quite favorable. Even after three hours of rain, the outfield appeared remarkably well-kept. So we were quite optimistic that we would have a game tonight, but the rain has returned. So let's see."
Rod Tucker: "12:06 is the latest we can start, and the groundsmen have an hour to do the clean-up work. We were hoping to play as long as possible tonight, but if the game doesn't end by 11 p.m., we may have to play it again tomorrow. If it is still raining at that time, we are in serious peril. It should take the groundskeepers about an hour to prepare the field for a game."
When the rain stopped falling at approximately 9 p.m., the rules for revised playing conditions were updated. Had the final begun before 9:35 p.m., spectators would have witnessed an entire 20-overs-per-side contest. For a 9:45 PM start, a 19-overs-per-side game was up for grabs once the stipulated time limit was exceeded. Similarly, for 10 p.m., 17 overs was optimal, while for 10:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., 15 overs per side was the best course of action.
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If the championship had begun at 12:06, a five-over shootout would have determined the victor. In the end, it was never an issue. What is an IPL championship if it is not contested over 20 overs? Surprisingly, the rain ceased at 10:50 p.m., but in everyone's best interest, the decision was made to move the final to the reserve day, which is Monday, May 29.
