Chennai Super Kings crowned their return to the Indian Premier League 2018 fold by defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the finals of the tournament by 8 wickets at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The Kane Williamson led side were blindsided by Shane Watson’s amazing 117* off 57 balls (8 sixes and 11 fours) and their bowling let them down, along with CSK’s brilliant plan of not giving Bhuvneshwar and Rashid any wickets. Though Kane Williamson (47) and Yusuf Pathan (45*) took SRH to 178, they still fell 20-25 runs short in a tournament final.

MS Dhoni’s return to the yellow brigade was a wonderful one, as he became a three-time IPL winning champion.

Here is what the players from the winning team, Chennai Super Kings had to say about their IPL win:

Lungisani Ngidi: "It's been a roller coaster of emotions. Good to come away with a win and lucky to be part of an IPL winning side. Not many people get to experience such a moment."

Dwayne Bravo: "This is a special moment. The team did not play together for the last two years. We had to move from Chennai after one game .. We always said experience will help in crunch times. Watson batted on one leg and his experience helped.The amount of games that we have all played together, is for moments like this. Watto is a world-class player, so is everyone."

Shane Watson (Man of the finals): "It’s been a special season to be honest. To be able to get an opportunity again after the previous year with RCB, for CSK to pick me up and give me an opportunity at the top of the order, was fantastic.After those first 10 balls I was just hoping that I would catch up and get to a run a ball at least. Bhuvi, with that new ball, is very skilful. I’m glad I got the opportunity to catch up. Towards the back end of the tournament I was hanging on for dear life. So I'm glad I was able to contribute like I did tonight."

Deepak Chahar: "I was waiting for my chances and I got them this year. That is thanks to Mahi bhai, he believed in me, batting, bowling and fielding. One of my games has come true today, winning the IPL."

Harbhajan Singh: "Brilliant, the way we came out and chased those runs, absolutely brilliant. To see what Shane Watson brings to the table – everything is possible. So glad I’m part of the winning side. Four-time IPL champion – thank you God!”

Ambati Rayudu: "Really fortunate to have such a great season for Chennai. Worked really hard for it and really happy I could score the winning runs."