Chennai Super Kings batsman Suresh Raina reckons that the early dismissal of South African swashbuckler A B de Villiers proved to be the decisive factor in CSK's 27-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their Indian Premier League match in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Chasing 182 for victory, RCB could only muster 154/8 in their 20 overs.
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"Definitely. I think when he (De Villiers) and Virat were batting, I thought they can finish the game, but when he (De Villiers) got out we thought we can win. But at the same time, we were wary of Virat who has the ability to finish the game on his own," he said.
De Villiers hit two sixes in his short stay at the crease before he was run-out due to some quick glove work by Chennai captain and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who was able to beat the nimble-footed South African.
Raina expressed surprise over Chris Gayle's omission from the RCB squad and credited to his bowlers, especially Ashish Nehra, for the win.
"I was surprised by Chris not playing but I think Virat is the guy who thinks positive and the other guy (De Villiers) has also played so many good knocks for South Africa," he told reporters at the post-match news conference.
Raina also praised Delhi bowler Nehra for rendering consistent service to Indian cricket.
"He has been amazing for the Indian cricket for the last 15 years and he really bowled well for CSK. I think we have the most experienced bowler and at the same time, he knows when to attack," he said.
"Nehra always enjoyed others' success and that's the key to his bowling. He also gives solution to Mohit (Sharma) and (Ishwar) Pandey, and also other bowlers," he added.
Raina also praised Dwayne Smith and Faf Du Plessis for forging crucial partnerships with him in different stages of the match.
"Smith batted really well alongside Faf. We had very good partnerships, especially six overs were very crucial for us and I was thinking I should have been there for two more overs," he said.
The city has been a happy hunting ground for him and last time around, CSK won the Champions League final against Kolkata Knight Riders.
"It is a good ground for me. Last time we won here in the finals of the Champions League against KKR," he said.
Raina said his gameplan for Wednesday's match was to be aggressive.
"My plan was different. I looked to be positive from ball one and it paid off," he said.
