IPL 2013 Final Memories still remain afresh in my Eyes says CSK vice captain, Suresh Raina

IPL 2013 Final Memories still remain afresh in my Eyes says CSK vice captain, Suresh Raina: Suresh Raina, who attended the pre-final press conference in place of CSK skipper MS Dhoni said that he still remembers the final of the 2013 IPL where they were literally crushed by MI at the same venue, Eden Gardens where the two teams are scheduled to play the IPL 2015 final tonight.

On a different note, Raina feels that Dhoni has acted like a gigantic pillar and has contributed to CSK’s success and the entire unit of CSK owes a lot to their wicket keeping skipper. Raina even added that it is perhaps under the leadership of MS Dhoni that CSK have managed to qualify for the play offs in each of the times and they would be playing their 6^th IPL Final tonight. The left handed star spoke about the consistency of Dhoni and that led the team to attain such a stature at the moment.

On speaking about the final, Raina said that MI would always be a tough team to beat when they are playing with their full strengths. It was Mumbai who denied CSK their third IPL win back in 2013 at the Eden Gardens.

He also said that the key to attain success on a slow track like Eden Gardens would be to build up partnerships. Also, the bowling strengths of MI in the likes of Harbhajan and Malinga have to be treated with due respect.

Even managing to qualify for 5 IPL finals in the past, CSK has lost three of them. On being asked about the reason for their choking at times when it matter the most, Raina said, “Two teams play and one has to win. There will be pressure, you have to play on merit. If you get nervous you’re going to lose the battle.”

He also lauded the supreme bowling attack of the team in the second qualifier against RCB. The middle order pivot of the CSK line up said that the bowlers have bowled according to their strengths and plans. Even the impact of fiery batsmen like Gayle and De Villiers seemed dim in front of CSK bowling.

Another important factor that could decide the fate of the game is the fielding efforts of CSK. CSK has simply been electrifying and equally magnetic in the field all throughout the tournament and that has put them higher up in the table. Another magnetic effort at the field is all what they require at the moment.

On a final note, Raina stated that they have to carry on with their good work for the final time. They have the memories of 2013 Final and would gladly like to turn the tables in favour of them.