Private dinner for Dhoni's men in evening as CSK to land in Chennai post IPL 2018 win
While there were taunts of old age homes' and dad's army' MS Dhoni-led CSK went on to clinch their 3rd IPL title.
Chennai: Chennai Super Kings are back and how! They had to deal with the “old age home” and “dad’s army” remarks after they picked nine players in their 30s at the auction but with MS Dhoni at the helm of the affairs, CSK, after a two-year suspension, completed a fairy-tale comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 final to win their third IPL title in Mumbai on Sunday.
While there was sadness in some quarters after CSK had to force their home games to Pune following the Cauvery row, there is no doubt that Chennai will be buzzing today as the team returns to the city after a memorable final in Mumbai. And although there is celebration, there are “no special plans” in place as yet for the team.
“(There are) No special plans. Private dinner is today evening at the hotel Crown Plaza. The team is leaving from Mumbai at 2.15 P.M. (today) and reaching here (Chennai) at 4 o’clock. As of now, there is no special programme. No press meet, no meeting with fans. Nothing,” said Dr RN Baba, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association media manager, who doubles up as a man in charge of media when CSK play their matches in Chennai.
While he could not attend the final despite having a pass, he said he is extremely happy for the team and added that the India Cements and CSK officials are very happy.
“I am very very happy, because after a two-year ban and recovering, they won comfortably. All India Cements and CSK officials were very happy. Yesterday night, we slept at 2.30 A.M. Everybody (was) calling and sending messages like (it was) a new year,” said Dr Baba.
While Shane Watson was the showstopper on the day of the final, CSK’s success was down to Dhoni, who orchestrated the show with his characteristic finesse and calm.
“He’s a very cool person. He has got so many innovative ideas. He won’t reveal to anyone. He will implement whenever, wherever he wants. So, you can’t see a captain like him anywhere in any format. Very rarely, you can see emotions on his face,” concluded Dr Baba.