IPL 2019 | Wasn't one of those years where we played very good cricket to reach the final, says MS Dhoni

Throughout the tournament, CSK lost their way in the middle-overs, and was rescued by MS Dhoni more often than not. The problems went far deep-rooted as the pace bowling unit, barring Deepak Chahar, couldn’t perform as per the expectations and that added more pressure on the spinners who did a commendable job to help the team reach their ninth final. After the final result didn’t go their way, MS Dhoni decided to pick the problems and stated that they were lucky to reach the final.

"As a team we had a good season. But we need to go back and reflect. Wasn't one of those years where we played very good cricket. Middle order never clicked, but somehow we managed," Dhoni said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

"Our bowlers did really well. It was not a 150 wicket, but the bowlers kept us in the hunt. They kept getting wickets when it was really needed. Batting, someone kept chipping in and we kept winning. To be consistent next year, we will have to really think hard," he added.

Fortunes fluctuated until the very end and when CSK were out of the game thanks to some terrible shot selection and slow scoring, they were brought back into it by Shane Watson, who levelled things up with one over of madness. Nine runs off the last over was very much within the reach, but Lasith Malinga bowled a terrific last over to send Watson and Shardul Thakur packing and Mumbai became four-time champions. 

"Today was one game we should've done slightly better. It was quite a funny game, we were passing the trophy to each other. Both committed mistakes, and eventually the winning team was the one that committed one mistake less," Dhoni added.