Under shadow of Tuticorin tragedy, CSK welcomed
28 May 2018 4:50 PM GMT
Chennai: Chennai Super Kings' return to the city following a fairytale IPL triumph received the rapturous welcome it deserved, even as murmurs of scaling down an elaborate reception plan swirled in the wake of the Tuticorin tragedy.
CSK beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in an authoritative display in the final last night to win the trophy on its return after serving a two-year suspension.
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson did the star turn with a blistering century.
A large number of fans were waiting at the city airport to welcome the team members and went into raptures when the players emerged.
CSK officials were at hand to receive the players. Later, the players were welcomed at Crowne Plaza hotel by the staff with garlands. Here too, a number of fans had gathered. Former BCCI president N Srinivasan greeted the players at the hotel.
The players were to attend a private dinner later on Monday.
The team's players, including Harbhajan Singh and South African veteran Imran Tahir, tweeted that they were delighted to win the trophy for the fans.
Harbhajan mentioned that the team was dedicating the triumph to the people.
Meanwhile, CSK officials, including CEO K S Viswanathan, took the trophy to the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams Information Centre temple in the city.
The glittering trophy was placed before the idol of Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity.
A group of fans said though they were not able to see the CSK team play at home (M A Chidambaram stadium), they were happy that the "Men in Yellow" managed to win the trophy, making it a dream comeback after missing two years owing to suspension.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has admitted that his franchise experienced a difficult time during the two-year ban from the IPL and his players were motivated to win the title.
Reinstated into the IPL after a two-year-ban for their team management's role in the 2013 spot-fixing scandal, CSK outplayed Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in the summit clash here on Sunday night to clinch their third title, with Shane Watson leading the charge with an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls.
"It was difficult two years for the franchise. The desire to get back to the competition was high. It was sustainable to keep winning throughout. The players were motivated (to win)," Fleming said after his side beat SRH to clinch the title.
"I am proud of how different individuals stood up at key times. I am proud the way experienced players showed their way. We believe experience coming back into the competition was going to be a key component. There were lots of emotions in the franchise for what had happened, there was a lot of reasoning behind this team," said Fleming.
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