Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s 200th match for Chennai Super Kings couldn’t have been more memorable and the captain couldn’t hide his satisfaction on Friday.
“It makes me feel very good and it has been a very long journey. It started in 2008... Played in South Africa, Dubai, and back home but never thought Mumbai would be our home (one day),” Dhoni said.
“In 2011 it was the last time that we were happy with the Chennai wicket. Before that, there was spin, but it also helped fast bowlers. After the wicket was re-laid, we found it difficult to adjust to the conditions.
“This one (at Wankhede) is a very good wicket, but it depends on the conditions on a given day. The ball moved today, but it didn’t swing around a lot. There was no dew and enough seam movement.”
Dhoni was all praise for Deepak Chahar’s performance. “Over the years, he has matured into a death bowler too, but he’s somebody who gets more purchase than other bowlers. If you’re looking to attack, why not finish his first four overs… Bravo can bowl at the death. It’s not a secret.”
Chahar picked his dismissal of Mayank Agarwal as the best of his four wickets. “I think the first wicket (of Agarwal) pleased me. Dream ball: pitches on middle and hitting off,” he said.
The pacer also lauded Ravindra Jadeja's fielding and lamented a catch dropped by Ruturaj Gaikwad off his bowling in the first over.
“First over, when the catch went to Ruturaj, it was a quick one... Only Jaddu could’ve taken that so I was like he should’ve been there. He’s one of the best in the world, has taken so many catches off my bowling. I want 11 Jaddus on the field,” he quipped.
“I am always the one who starts the tone for the match. If I take a wicket or bowl a maiden over, then obviously we can take the momentum. It’s a big responsibility I’ve been having since the last four years and Mahi bhai has shown faith in me.”