‘Thala’ directs the script to perfection

But the Chennai ‘Thala’ was not finished yet. The way MSD played like a man possessed in Bengaluru made many newspapers fighting the midnight deadline change their script, though ‘Thala’ himself was not ruffled by the huge task ahead of him. The script went according to plan, he said, as though he was the director of the film that was staged in IPL.

At the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni, who was also adjudged the Man of the Match, said it was a difficult chase. “I thought it was a difficult chase when I saw AB (de Villiers) getting them (RCB) over 200... I thought it was 15-20 beyond par. We also lost some key batsmen early, but it’s a small ground, the ball travels a lot here, there was some dew, though not a lot,” Dhoni said.

But happy with the win, Dhoni added: “Overall, it went according to the script, not according to how we would have thought, but it went well.”

Dhoni lauded RCB’s De Villiers, but had more praise for his bowlers. “This was a slightly slowish wicket, AB’s innings was very special, it seemed as if he took them at a really good pace, especially against good quality spinners.”

Asked how he planned the chase, Dhoni said: “What’s important in a chase is to know which bowler has how many overs left and who the captain will bowl when and you play accordingly.

“You will win some, you’ll lose some, but the job of the finisher is to finish the job and help others, sharing the experience with others... All those things really matter because I may not be in that position in the next match. Someone else may be.”

Praising Rayudu, Dhoni said: “He is important in this line-up because he keeps the scoreboard moving, and small grounds are ideal for him. On a bigger ground, he may lose his shape a little while hitting those shots.”

Meanwhile, reflecting on his team’s victory, a satisfied Ambati Rayudu said, “Unbelievable. Lost a few wickets early. We were constructing the innings. We had the belief, but this ground made it really possible. I am hitting the ball well, so the batting position doesn’t really matter to me. We were calculating how many overs each guy had and we wanted to play out Chahal because he was looking the most threatening there. Really happy that we won.”

CSK coach Fleming admitted it was a great game. “It’s great when you see individuals play really well. I thought AD de Villiers won the game for Bangalore. It was a turning track but his onslaught just took the spinners away. He put RCB in a strong position and we knew that one of our players had to do the same. It was a mammoth effort and we saw two – Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni. From our point of view, to win a game like that was very heartening.” 

MS Dhoni yet again redefining age, class and everything. It’s so amazing to see him play this way. They call him ‘Thala’ for a reason and he showed us all who’s the BOSS

Oh my God....please let me sleep.. why did you have to make @ChennaiIPL so awesome, @msdhoni the real universe boss and @RayuduAmbati Mr Iceman you have me so excited for the rest of this years @IPL I can’t sleep

Nothing can go wrong till @msdhoni is at the crease. Vintage stuff from captain cool!! An excellent innings from @RayuduAmbati to set things up for us. All

in all a great win for @ChennaiIPL! Keep it boys!

Absolutely superb @msdhoni! This is why you’re known as the best finisher! And a smashing innings from @Rayudu-Ambati! CSK all the way!