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Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was ecstatic after the convincing 34-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian
Premier League match in Ranchi on Friday night, having been worried earlier about how the pitch would behave.
"We were worried about how the pitch might behave, but decided to bat first thinking that it might slow down later," he said at the post-match presentation.
He added that the yellow brigade opted to continue with the same combination as they had opener Dwayne Smith as a back-up seam
option.
Chennai stamped their authority with a thumping victory after the match was reduced to 17 overs-a-side after a one hour 40 minutes’ delay due to rain.
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Ravindra Jadeja produced a brilliant spell of spin bowling that saw him return figures of 4 for 12, after Brendon McCullum's sizzled with a 40-ball 56 that powered the team to a daunting 148 for three.
Asked about the shots he executes with so much ease using his bottom hand, Dhoni was modest, saying the situation at times demands such innovations.
Man of the Match Jadeja said he backs himself on turning tracks.
"Whenever the ball turns I back myself to get wickets, and it feels very nice to be doing well," he said.
He said he felt it would be a good day as soon as he bowled a few balls on the JSCA International Stadium Complex pitch.
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Kolkata Kinght Riders’ skipper Gautam Gambhir wore a dejected look after yet another defeat.
The left-handed opener, who is going through a poor run of form, lamented that though there were a few good individual performances from his players, they were unable to click as a team yet.
"We won seven games in a row when we won the IPL," he said, expressing hope that they can replicate that.
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