A Shane Watson-led Chennai Super Kings played out a thriller against Sunrisers Hyderabad to reclaim the top spot of the Indian Premier League table.
The hosts chased down Hyderabad’s total of 175 runs with one ball to spare. Chennai are practically in the play-offs with this win, but they do need one more win to seal the spot mathematically.
The breathing space in the top-four has reduced for Hyderabad, with Kings XI Punjab right on their heels and captain Bhuvaneshwar Kumar is aware of the intensity of the competition. The pacer is looking to get three important away wins from their remaining four games and make it to the play-offs.
“It was a par score on that wicket. There was dew on the ground but that didn’t really bother us. The way Watson batted we couldn’t really do much. This is probably the first off day for Rashid (Khan) in three years, anyone can have an off day. The credit goes to Watson,” he said.
“We will obviously miss (Jonny) Bairstow but we have players in the squad who can replace him. We have three away games now out of four and we have to win those games to qualify. We have to be our best to defeat RR. I have learnt a lot doing captaincy.”
#AnbuDen win it is! Watto delivers! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/ngQryHKKa6
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 23, 2019
Winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni praised Watson for his match-winning knock of 96 runs from just 53 balls and defended the selectors’ decision to back him despite poor form. When asked about the Chennai’s mantra for success, Dhoni joked that he will reveal it only after his retirement to ensure he doesn’t go unsold at the auctions.
“I think you can give individuals some games and the team gives them the rest. Watson has been a match-winner for us. He has been batting well in the nets. Whatever small innings he played so far, he was middling them well although he did struggle a bit,” he explained.
“This is the time when you need to back them. The management’s thinking was to give him as many games as possible. And the team winning also means that a player gets more games than he would actually get. It’s good to see different individuals step up every game. Nice to see our bowling department do well but would like our batting unit also get into the mode that’s necessary for the playoffs.
“(On CSK’s mantra of success) If I tell everyone what it is, then they won’t buy me at the auctions. It’s a trade secret. The crowd support and franchise’s support are key of course. Huge credit has to also go to the support staff who play a huge role in keeping the team atmosphere good for the team and other individuals. Other than this, I can’t reveal anything till I retire. It’s alright, not showing signs of getting worse. With the World Cup coming, I need to be careful as that comes first,” the skipper joked.
Watto Form! The night he gave #AnbuDen today! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/MdJEnzZXEt
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 23, 2019
Watson was aware that he needed a big score to get out of the rough patch. He thanked the coach and skipper for their faith in him and admitted that Kumar did put him in a tight spot with his swingers.
“I was due for runs, that’s for sure. I can’t thank Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni enough for their belief in me. Most of the teams I’ve played in, I would have been dropped by now but they showed the trust in me.
“Of course, I was doing alright in the PSL and in the BBL too, struck the ball well. Needed some things to go my way, like it did today when Bhuvi was all over me. He is an incredibly skillful bowler as he swings it both ways,” the Aussie concluded.
