Yesterday marked not just the end of another IPL season (Indian Premier League 2018), but transformed Mahendra Singh Dhoni and CSK into an 'emotion'.
The sight of MS Dhoni enjoying at the back with daughter Ziva Dhoni, while the team was rejoicing in the front (of course for the camera), strengthened the emotion of ‘Whistle Podu’ and heightened the happiness of the moment.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), under the able leadership of MS Dhoni, became the winners of the 11th season of Indian Premier League. This was a much-needed comeback from a team which was banned for the last two years from IPL and had been a finalist for 7 seasons.
Not only this, the team was mocked for lack of young energy as it comprised of all experienced players, but they gave a tight blow to this criticism. And you know how! Nevertheless, we are not concerned with all that.
What made 2018 Indian Premier League final match a day to remember was the celebration that took place at the Wankhede Stadium. The conclusion of Vivo IPL 2018 couldn’t have been better if Ziva, Gracia, and other kids wouldn’t have made to the pitch. These highlights of IPL final 2018 are priceless.
Ziva Dhoni, Gracia Raina and Hinaya Heer at IPL 2018 Final
Dhoni’s daughter Ziva has more energy than kids of her age usually have. She ran to her dad as the match got over, and Dhoni lifted her up. (MS Dhoni looked the most happy not when he lifted the IPL trophy, but when he lifts his daughter Ziva.)
No doubt she was the most excited player from CSK at Wankhade but she was weary too. She sipped Frooti, went on jumping from one lap to another, danced as the party poppers blasted, gave some poses to media and then went on running in the ground.
CSK was like - 'Our IPL is our IPL, it is none of your IPL.', and Dhoni’s daughter was like – ‘Our time is our time, it is none of your time.’
While Ziva was spotted on the field, celebrating like any CSKian would have, other kids were also present to add more glory to the win of their fathers.
Harbhajan Singh's daughter, Hinaya Heer, also lifted the trophy.
After Ziva and Hinaya, how can Suresh Raina's daughter, Gracia be left behind? She not just lifted the trophy, but closely examined the ribbon and names mentioned on it! Hi-tech kids you see!
But The Credit For The Celebration Goes To Shane Watson
Be it Dhoni lifting the IPL 2018 trophy, for the third time or the team jumping like fanatics or the kids rushing in to dance in cheer, there was one man who is responsible for victory – Shane Watson. In his play of 117 not out, he smashed 11 fours and 8 sixes in just 57 balls.
By not hitting at the first 10 balls and then smashing a century (100 off the next 41 balls) at IPL 2018 final, Shane Watson became the 'Shaan' Watson of CSK. As Ambati Rayudu hit the final boundary, he did set all the players free from the stands. The rushed to the field and whistled like never before.
“It’s been a special season to be honest, especially after the last season with RCB. It means a lot to be with a franchise like CSK. Throughout the backend of the tournament, I was hanging on for dear life. Fleming and Dhoni have been looking after me really well and I am really glad to contribute like I did tonight”
- Shane Watson on winning the IPL 2018 final.
No. No. We Are Not Forgetting The Man Behind CSK, MS Dhoni
It is needless to speak of his calibre or performance or captaincy. We have an excerpt from the press conference of IPL 2018 finale, which highlights the wit that the most loved Indian captain MSD has.
Media - "How difficult is it to not give the ball to Harbhajan Singh, given he is a seasoned spinner?"
MSD - "I have a lot of cars and bikes in my house. And I don't ride all of them at a time. Quite a few them are never used. But they aren't waste."
Also, we must speak of his team binding skills as he ended the celebration by having a friendly race with D Bravo, saying that lets run between the wickets because both of us didn't get to bat in the finals!
Let us hope we see more play from Ziva, Gracia, and others on the cricket ground.
Let us keep calm and wait for the dates of the next IPL season (2019).