A new rule came into effect for the first time in Indian Premier League (IPL) history as 'Impact Player' was introduced in the cash-rich tournament. Over the course of 74 matches, several players made an impact for respective teams when called up to do a specific job.
Tushar Deshpande - The first impact player in IPL history
In the season's opening game between CSK and GT, Tushar Deshpande became the first-ever impact player in IPL history. Deshpande took the field after CSK had posted 178/7 on the board. Deshpande replaced middle-order batter, Ambati Rayudu. The right-arm pacer began with an expensive over in the powerplay overs. He conceded 15 runs as Wriddhiman Shah smashed him for a six and a four. Shubman Gill smashed a boundary as well.
Shivam Dube - Last impact player of IPL 2023
CSK's middle-order batter Shivam Dube became the last impact player of the recently-concluded IPL tournament. Dube made an important contribution and helped the Men in Yellow clinch the trophy. The left-handed batter scored an unbeaten 32 runs off 21 balls with the help of two sixes and registered the match-winning partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
IPL 2023 season climaxed on May 29 (Monday). Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets (DLS method) at the Narendra Modi Stadium and became the just second team in league history to win the coveted title five times. MS Dhoni's men equaled the record of Mumbai Indians (MI) with their record-tying fifth IPL crown. The 16th edition of the cash-rich tournament will go down as one of the best seasons played in the competition's history. Old records were shattered and new milestones were scripted as the tournament paved the way for several glittering storylines.
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