It has been a roller coaster journey for Chennai Super Kings. Coming back after two years of the ban and win the title, tells their story. From the match one, they looked a champion side. They found a different hero in every different match which makes them a true champion side. There will be no exaggeration to say that Champions are back to where they belong.
CSK was playing its 7th Indian Premier League final in nine seasons they have played. In previous six attempts, they came out as victorious on two occasions.
Here is the reaction of CSK players after the title triumph:
"Very amazing. It's been a roller coaster of emotions. Good to come away with a win and lucky to be part of an IPL winning side. Not many people get to experience such a moment. It's lovely to have the death bowling responsibility on your shoulders and take it in your stride, one ball at a time in a pressure situation and it is great to help the team win." - Lungi Ngidi
"It has been good. This is a special moment. The team did not play together for the last two years. We had to move from Chennai after one game. For most of the guys, this is their first time. We were able to keep focus and do it. Nothing is better than winning finals. We always said the experience will help in crunch times. Watson batted on one leg and despite the hamstring, his experience helped him. Watson is a world-class player." - Dwayne Bravo
"I was really fortunate to have such a season for Chennai. I worked really hard for it and am glad that I could hit the winning runs. Initially, the wicket looked a little slow, it was damp, got much quicker and I am glad we could chase it down." - Ambati Rayudu
"It is great. Last year I was part of final, but couldn't win it. But this year we won it and it is incredible. I am feeling at top of the world. I think I had the last game in my mind, had to bowl well in the death. More often than not you get hit in this format. Today I was on top of my game and executed the plans." - Shardul Thakur
"I enjoyed bowling with the new ball. I have been waiting for my chance and this year I got my chance. Thanks to Mahi bhai for believing in me; batting, bowling and fielding. It is everyone's dream to play in the IPL and win it, one of my dreams have come true." - Deepak Chahar
"Brilliant the way we came out and chased it down. To see what Watson, what he brings to the table, you know how many runs you might get, it is always changeable. Fourth IPL title for me and I am glad. I mean considering that Kane was in good form and they had a lot of middle-order batsmen who were right-handers, Dhoni was right that he needed someone who would take the ball away from the batsman. We have seen wrist spinners bowling more and more overs in the IPL compared to finger spinners. But I hope it would change next year. Well done to Karn and glad to be on the winning side." - Harbhajan Singh
"Each year has been different for us. We stayed pretty consistent with the core of our team when others kept chopping and changing. It's one thing that players are older, but it's the professionalism that we got to look into as well. MS Dhoni handles me (smiles). It's about man-management. When he goes on the field he can do the things. There's a lot of trusts as well and it's a nice relationship to have with him." - Stephen Fleming
"It's been a special season, to be honest. To get a special season especially after the last season with RCB. It means a lot to be with a franchise like CSK. After those first ten balls, I was only hoping to catch up to at least a run-a-ball. Bhuvi is really good with the new ball and was lucky to get the opportunity to catch up. It was good that I got a couple of boundaries to hit and get on par to take it from there. The good thing is that I wouldn't be playing for the next three-four months; feels great. It gives me plenty of time to recover. Throughout the back end of the tournament I was hanging on for dear life, Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni have been looking after me really well and I am really glad to contribute like I did tonight." - Shane Watson
"By the team you reach the finals everybody knows their roles. The fielders have to adjust their roles while fielding, but while batting the styles are well known. So if somebody is finding it difficult in the middle, you know the incoming batsmen wouldn't find it easy as well. [On Bravo sitting with pads on] He keeps doing it on his own. There was no plan as such; with Faf playing Rayudu had to come down at four. But Bravo is someone who pads quite easily and stays ready. Very difficult to recall what the earlier championship wins were. A lot of people talk about stats , so tonight is 27th, my jersey number is seven and this is the seventh final for us. Enough reasons to win it. But none of these reasons matter, what matters is that we've won it in the end. We talked a lot about age but what matters is the fitness. Rayudu for example is 33, he's someone who is fit, covers a lot of ground. Even if he plays a few games where he spends a lot of time in the ground and in the field, he never complains. So it is the fitness that really matters more than the age aspect. What captains want is players who move well in the field. It doesn't matter which year a player is born in, whether you are 19 or 20 - you have to be agile. You have to accept your shortcomings. For example if I push Watson to stop a single, there is a very good chance that he'll burst his hamstring and won't be available for the next game. So what you tell yourselves is that they have to commit and try, but there's no point getting injured for a single. No plans to celebrate as of now. We are going to Chennai tomorrow, meet a few people, the fans and some people who are close to the franchise. But we'll have a get-together in the hotel and celebrate." - MS Dhoni
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