Reactions from the Chennai Super Kings players to Star Sports soon after they won their third IPL title, with a thumping victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Dwayne Bravo: “It’s been good, a special moment because the team hadn’t played together for two years. For most of the guys, this was the first time with the franchise. Then we had to move from Chennai. Lot of things were going wrong, but we kept focus. There’s nothing better than winning titles. That’s why I’m very happy for the team. We always said experience will get the better of youth. The amount of games all of us have put together are for moments like these. Shane Watson batted on one leg, struggling with a hamstring injury, but his experience got him through. He’s a world-class player and I’m very happy for the entire team.”
Harbhajan Singh: It’s brilliant to see what Watson brings onto the table, at this ground, no matter how many runs you have, everything is possible. So glad to be part of the winning side, this is my fourth IPL title. Considering Kane Williamson was in good form and they had a lot of middle-order batsmen who are right-handers, MS Dhoni wanted a bowler [Karn Sharma, who played ahead of Harbhajan] who can take the ball away. These days it’s a trend, wristspinners are bowling more and more, fingerspinners aren’t bowling that much. Hopefully that will change next year, well done to Karn Sharma.
Shardul Thakur: Last year, I was part of the final but couldn’t win. This year, it’s incredible. I can’t express the feeling in words. I’m on top of the world. The last game was on my mind. I knew I had to bowl well at the death. Today, I was right on top of the ball, executed what I wanted.
Ambati Rayudu: I was really fortunate to have such a great season. I worked really hard for it, happy I could score the winning runs. The wicket looked slow, I thought it was damp but it got much better. I was confident we could chase this.
Ravindra Jadeja: It’s good to be part of a champion team. We did a good job on and off the field. Win or lose, we played as a team. Very happy that we’re champions after a gap of two years.
Deepak Chahar: Enjoyed the role of bowling with the new ball. I was waiting for my chances. Thanks to Mahi bhai, he believed in me. Everyone’s dream is to play in the IPL and then win it. One of my dreams has come true.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo