Chennai: Murali Vijay played an innings that not only gave Chennai Super Kings an entry into the final of Indian Premier League for the fourth time in IPL five year’s history, his coming to form at the right time has again made CSK the favourites to win the title for third time in a row. Ecstatic about the way he played to become the first Indian to hit two centuries in IPL history, Vijay said that it wasn’t as if he was hitting the ball the wrong way earlier in the league, but there were definitely some flaws in his technique which he rectified as the tournament progressed and the result was before all to see.

“I am happy that I have contributed to my team’s victory in this fashion. It was a good wicket to bat on and knowing the Chennai wicket, I just utilised my experience to perfection. Earlier also I was timing the ball well but had not been able to play long. Earlier in the league, I had been giving away my wickets due to some bad shot selection. But today everything went my way,” said Murali Vijay, adding that since he knew Chennai wicket he decided to hit straighter today. “After six overs, I thought the wicket was playing slower. So I decided one of us had bat through the end and I was lucky to come through. I am happy to be a part of this unit and learning from them,” said the match-of the-match winner, thanking his team and management for keeping faith in him.

“I would first of all like to thank Bharath Arun and Gurunath, the owner, who believed and supported me. Without them it wouldn't have been possible.’

Meanwhile Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag said that the way Vijay played he took the game away from them. “Then they have a good batting line-up and they did the rest of the damage,” said Sehwag, adding that they for sure missed the services of their best bowler Morne Morkel.

“Yes we missed Morne. Unfortunately Irfan Pathan got injured and we had to maintain the balance. It was a good pitch and score of 180 was chaseable. But they got 40 more runs and it was always was going to be difficult to chase,” said the losing captain¸ adding that there were a lot of positives from this season. “We never expected to end number one after the league. Thanks to the owners for backing us. We will try and come back hard in the Champions League.”

Meanwhile Dhoni, who has led Chennai four time times of five into the IPL final, said, “Vijay and Hussey gave us a good start. It was also good to see Raina hitting a few balls away and in the end it was closed off well by Bravo. Personally, I thought Delhi Daredevils had had line-up to do it but it was not going to be easy.”