Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was pleased that his side's 63-run win over Rajasthan Royals has put his side in the "reckoning" for a place in the play-offs in the Indian Premier League.
"It's good to be in the reckoning for the play-offs without leaving it for too late," Dhoni said after the match at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur. About the track Dhoni said it looked like a like a 180-190 wicket.
"We had one extra batsman in the playing XI today, which allowed us to go harder. It was between Albie Morkel and me. I pushed myself up, and I am glad that I scored some runs.
"I didn't score in the last match. The batting was poor in the last game, but the platform was good this time from (Michael) Hussey and (Murali) Vijay, and (Suresh) Raina capitalised," Dhoni said. Rajasthan skipper Shane Warne was gracious in defeat, but did mention the small boundary.
"One of those things today, due to the small boundary. But all credit to Chennai, they played well and Dhoni in the end. It had nothing to do with the wicket, we were chasing 20 too many and it got difficult," Warne, who is playing in his final IPL, said in the post-match ceremony. The legendary leg-spinner was, however, hopeful of a turnaround.
"Our next game at home against Bangalore is massive, hope to win that one and give us a chance." he said. Warne also had some good words to say about Ajinkya Rahane, who top-scored for the hosts with 52.
"Good stuff from Rahane, great to see him come through and do well. He was very impressive, very cool." Man of the Match Vijay credited the team for the victory.
"It was absolutely a team effort. I was hitting the ball well, I just wanted to stay there and keep going. Suresh, Hussey did really well and the Dhoni 'bhai' played some big shots," Vijay said.
