Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu who played his part in helping his team clinch a record fifth IPL title by helping them beat the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in a rain-hit encounter, has described his farewell game as a fairy-tale finish. Rayudu came into bat at a time of CSK’s run-chase of 171 in 15 overs when the required run rate had just started to mount. However, his cameo worth 19 off 8 helped them regain control.

The right-handed batter had already announced that IPL final against GT would be his final game and bows out after being a part of an incredible titular win. “It’s a fairytale finish. I couldn’t have asked for more. I mean it’s unbelievable. I’m fortunate to have played in really great sides. I can smile for the rest of my life. All the hard work I’ve done in the last 30 years, I’m happy I got to finish on this note,” Rayudu said after the match.

“I would really like to thank my family, my father. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible,” the 37-year-old added.

It was a tensed finish to the game with the equation down to 10 needed off 2 deliveries and Ravindra Jadeja on strike. While there were a few smiling faces in the GT camp at this stage, Jadeja had other ideas as he smashed a six down the ground before utilising the rare err in line from Mohit Sharma to hit a boundary down the leg side to help Chennai script history.

Jadeja dedicated the teams’ victory to their legendary captain MS Dhoni. While there were reports suggesting that this would be his final year in the T20 tournament, in the post match presentation, he hinted that he could be back for yet another year in the competition.