IPL 2018 | This knock will always be special to me, says Dwayne Bravo
CSK all-rounder Dwayne Bravo’s sizzling 68 off 30 balls helped the returning ‘yellow brigade’ triumph over rivals Mumbai Indians on their home turf in the opening match of IPL 2018. Match-winner Bravo lauded the efforts of an Injured Kedar Jadhav, who saw CSK through to a memorable victory.
The IPL is famous for its stories of heroic run-chases and epic last over finishes throughout its 10-year history. Last night, as the 11th season began, it was nothing short of a fairytale as West Indian big-hitter Dwayne Bravo along with the brave Kedar Jadhav guided new-look Chennai Super Kings to a memorable win over rivals Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
Bravo, who was retained by the CSK for a sum of Rs. 6.40 crores at the auction held in January smashed 68 off just 30 deliveries after the 17th over which helped resurrect the CSK innings. In his post-match interview, the Trinidad and Tobago-born cricketer admitted that his knock against Mumbai would always remain special to him.
"When I reached 50, I didn't even raise my bat. I knew the job wasn't finished, there was still a long way to go. I was in a zone. I was just focusing on trying to get the game done for my team. I was disappointed that I was out in the last over. But I played the innings that put my team in a position to win. I am just happy that I was able to contribute with the bat. It has been a while that I haven't been able to make runs with the bat. This one will always be special to me.
"It was just my day, I'll take that. It's always good to start any tournament with a win and this is a special win for us personally because our fans have been so loyal to us and they waited for this opportunity and people in Chennai and throughout India as well, our CSK fans and our captain MS ," Bravo said.
Many questioned the Super Kings management strategy when they spent a good 7.8 crores on Indian all-rounder Kedar Jadhav during the auction. But all those doubts were put to
"I know how you feel as a bowler when your first ball goes for a boundary. No matter how good a bowler you are, in these tense moments if you're put under pressure, you tend to fumble. Again, I was hitting the ball nicely in the nets. I had the confidence and the belief that I can win the game despite losing wickets. I can bat deep. Can't forget Jadhav, who came back and showed a lot of fight and a lot of guts. To hit that six is a special, special moment. From thereon, we had the game," Bravo said.
