We were ready to face any challenge – M. S. Dhoni

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that his players were always ready to face any challenge from the opposition after lifting the fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Monday.

CSK defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a last-ball thriller after the final was stretched into the reserve day and ended in the wee hours of Tuesday.

“Every trophy is special, but what is special about the IPL is every crunch game you need to be ready,” Dhoni said after the final.

“There were lapses today, the bowling department didn’t work, but it was the batting department that took the pressure off them today,” he stressed.

Dhoni also praised his teammates for their contributions and for the commitment that they had made throughout this season. “I do get frustrated, it is human, but I try to step into their shoes, every individual deals with pressure differently. Ajinkya and a few others are experienced, so don’t worry,” Dhoni emphasised.

“If anyone is confused, then you can always ask. The special thing about Rayudu is he will always give his 100 percent when he is on his field.”

“But with him in the team, I will never win the fair play award. I’ve been playing with him for a long time since the India ‘A’ tour. He’s a player who can play spin and pace equally well.”

“It is something special. I felt he would do something special today, he’s also like me – not someone who uses the phone often. I hope he enjoys the next phase of his life.”

Dhoni also announced that he will not retire after winning the IPL title but said that the love from his fans has made him give it another try.

“This is the best time to announce my retirement,” he said. He, however, said he’d give it a few more months because of “the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year.”

Dhoni said he’d likely come back and play at least one more season of the IPL as “a gift” from his side to the fans.

“The way they’ve shown their love and affection, I think that’s something I need to do for them,” he said.

Meanwhile, match winner Ravindra Jadeja said: Feeling amazing winning the fifth title in front of my home crowd. They’ve come in big numbers to support CSK.”

“This crowd has been amazing. They were waiting for the rain to stop till late at night. Want to say big congratulations to CSK fans. Want to dedicate this win to one of the special members of our team – M. S. Dhoni.”

“I was just thinking that I need to swing hard no matter what. Yes, anything can happen. I was looking to hit straight because Mohit Sharma can bowl slower ones.”

“Want to say congratulations to every CSK fan. Just keep cheering the way you’ve been cheering,” Jadeja added. Dhoni claimed the winner’s cheque of INR 20 crore while Hardik Pandya received the runner-up shield and cheque of INR 12.5 crore.