IPL 2018| I just wanted to get run-a-ball before getting out, reveals Shane Watson

For Man-of-the-Match Shane Watson, IPL 2018 was a pleasant one especially after coming off a disastrous last season. Yesterday evening saw the explosive Australian all-rounder at his very best as he scored a 57 ball 117 to take his team Chennai Super Kings over the finishing line single-handedly in a run chase of 179. 

“It’s just been a special season. To get an opportunity after my previous year was incredible. Things fell my way nicely tonight, but to be able to do it in such a big game. it’s very special. After those first ten balls, I was hoping to catch up and just wanted to get run-a-ball before getting out.”

Talking about the conditions, the Australian admitted that Bhubaneshwar Kumar’s brilliance with the ball had forced the CSK openers to a slow start, which led him to face 11 dot balls before eventually opening his scoring. 

"Bhuvneshwar was excellent so we had to see the first six overs without any damage. Once the ball stopped swinging, it got easier. The good thing is I don’t have to play for a few months, so I have some time to recover,” Watson added.

Senior player Harbhajan Singh, who had to make way for leg-spinner Karn Sharma in the final, called the chase brilliant and showered praise on Shane Watson’s innings. When asked about his exclusion from playing eleven, he stated that it was a strategy against an in-form Kane Williamson.

“The way we’ve chased these runs, it was absolutely brilliant. And you see what Watson brings to the table. When set batsmen are in, anything is possible. Kane Williamson was in good form, so we needed a bowler who took the ball away, therefore we preferred Karn tonight.”

Ambati Rayudu, who finished as highest scorer for CSK this season with 602 runs that included three fifties and one century, was delighted with how the campaign ended with his magnificent form and gave credit to his hard work behind the scenes.

“I’m really fortunate to have such a great season. I’ve worked really hard and was happy to score the winning runs. Initially, the wicket was slow, but I thought it was damp. It got much better, so I was confident we’ll chase it.”