There was a huge hype before Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) return to IPL in 2018 after a two-year ban. They started their comeback season in IPL 2018 with a thrilling win against Mumbai Indians (MI).
CSK won the match by 1 wicket in the penultimate delivery of the final over. Shane Watson, a new buy for Super Kings in 2018, was amazed by the fightback and skipper MS Dhoni told him that CSK never gives up until the last ball is bowled.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be able to play for CSK for the last few years,” Watson said in a video posted by CSK.
He further credited the CSK management for the success of the franchise. “I also loved my time at the Rajasthan Royals, that was an incredible experience. To play under Shane Warne and in Jaipur, it’s a beautiful cricket ground but CSK is just an amazing franchise, run by incredibly well leaders all the way down to MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming. Just the way they set up the franchise is just amazing. You just come in, you’re embraced, you’re trusted, so I feel very fortunate that I’ve played for a great franchise,” he added.
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Recalling the cliffhanger between CSK and MI in IPL 2018, Watson called it his favorite moment for the franchise. “My favorite moment of CSK is actually my first that I’ve played for CSK. It was against MI (Mumbai Indians) in Mumbai, a really tight game. DJ Bravo batted like a genius, he got us out of trouble and won the game,” Watson said.
“I remember after that game MS Dhoni said and Hussey as well who was the assistant coach ‘you know that that’s just what we do, it’s CSK. We’re never out of the game,’” he added.
CSK was 6 down on 84 and after 13 overs, they needed 82 more to win. It looked out of reach after they lost a couple of more wickets and struggled at 118/8. But Dwayne Bravo turned the game in their favor with his innings of 68 runs off just 30 deliveries.
“CSK being out of IPL for 2 years but to come back like that against one of best teams and to be able to win a game like that was an amazing initiation to such a great franchise,” Watson said.
Super Kings haven't started their outdoor training for IPL 2020 yet. They are waiting for the CSK members to pass another COVID-19 test before taking the field.
