$1.2m for 1 run! That's what both the finalists might have thought just before the last ball of the match.
What a final! It could not be better than that. This happens when two much worthy team reaches the final. Just like T20 World Cup. And the full credit goes to the captains of both the teams - Shane Warne and MS Dhoni. They both have been fantastic in making quick decisions and being very open to their team mates. They clearly understand that this format of the game is more about committing fewer mistakes than the opponent rather than just doing right.
Of course both the team performed to the best of their abilities and it was a neck-to-neck competition; if not for Chennai's batsmen forgetting to take singles till the 15th over and some poor display in fielding as well, the match would have a different finish.
But I still feel, Dhoni's leadership skills are way ahead of any other captain of present day. His straight attitude, cool headedness, knowledge of the game, decision making power and aggression is just perfect. Throughout the final match there was not a single moment when the match looked imbalanced. If it is just the last ball making the winner then only for the record's sake Rajasthan Royals' will keep the trophy; Chennai, too, well deserved it.
No one has ever seen a loosing captain in the history of cricket gathering his players together immediately after the loss to appreciate their efforts and telling them they have fought well; that is a sign of great leadership.
Having said all that, Royals are the champions and their consistent record throughout the long tournament was only justified by this final win; hats off to Warne and the boys!
The best captain have lost it to the best team.
- Kumar
