CSK vs SRH | We wanted to come back strong after last season, and we’ve done that, says MS Dhoni

CSK bowlers put up a disciplined effort to restrict SRH to 134/7, after MS Dhoni had inserted his opponents in. Chasing 135, Ruturaj Gaikwad (45) and Faf du Plessis (41) laid the platform, before Dhoni rolled back years to strike a towering hit into the Sharjah stands to seal a six-wicket win.

The three-time IPL winning captain couldn’t be more pleased with the effort.

"It means a lot because the last time in the post-match presentation I had, I said we want to come back strong... You keep learning out of it, and that is what we have done this year even though we played the first half [of the season] earlier. Every credit must be given to the players and the support staff,” Dhoni said after the game.

“It wasn't a wicket where it was turning or stopping a lot. But there was good bounce. Bowlers varied their pace and length very well... That is what I told them before the start of the game as well. The execution was there. 

“Probably some dew (the nature of the wicket changed a bit in the second half)... But I don't think the bounce changed at all.”

The 40-year-old acknowledged the support of the fans over the years, who have been strong behind the team irrespective of the results.

“The fans have been great from the start. I can proudly say on behalf of CSK that we are really proud of the fans," said Dhoni.

Earlier, it was Josh Hazlewood who set the tone with his 3/24 from four overs, which included the key wicket of Jason Roy. The Australian quick acknowledged the support of seniors within the group, especially Dwayne Bravo, who bagged 2/17 from his four overs.

"Very satisfying... Feel like I have been learning every game,” said Hazlewood as he received the Player of the Match award. “Roy is obviously a guy who sets the game for them and comes hard... We have been working really hard as a group. We have obviously been together and trained together. We have some seniors like DJ there."