Shane Watson, Chennai Super Kings,
Shane Watson celebrates his wicket. (Credits: Rahul Gulati/Sportzpics)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their journey at their second-adopted home in Pune with a thumping 64-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday (April 20) night following the remarkable show from Shane Watson with the bat.

It was a thorough all-round performance from the Super Kings as they got back to winning ways at their new home.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have decided to move Super Kings’ home games to Pune due to the political escalation in Tamil Nadu.

Sent in to bat first, the Super Kings posted a massive 204 for five in the allotted 20 overs. Watson starred with the bat while racking up a brilliant ton.

The former Australian international scored 106 off just 57 balls with the help of nine fours and six sixes. Suresh Raina also played a handy knock of 46 off 29 deliveries.

IPL 2018: Incredibly Sad We Aren’t Playing In Chennai - Shane Watson
Credits: BCCI

In reply, Royals were all out for 140, They never looked in contention to chase down the huge total.

By the end of the powerplay, they were three down for just 35 runs. The Royals never recovered from those setbacks and went on to lose the game by 64 runs.

But despite the fine start in Pune, Watson sounded disappointed over not playing in Chennai.

“It’s incredibly sad that we aren’t playing in Chennai. Obviously, there are some issues going on there which is sad for the whole franchise that we can’t play there,” Watson maintained.

 

“The first game we played I was fortunate to play in Chennai. That atmosphere, even though only half the ground was open, was electrifying. That was something that I’ve never really experienced before. Then for us to move away because of the issues going on was very sad. And then to be able to see everything painted in yellow today just so special,” he said.

IPL 2018: Incredibly Sad We Aren’t Playing In Chennai - Shane Watson
Credits: BCCI

“It doesn’t surprise me knowing how passionate CSK fans are. One of the big surprises was in Mumbai, to be able to see half the ground support Chennai. I’ve never played in Mumbai previously when half the ground is supporting the team I was playing for. CSK fans are incredibly passionate and it didn’t surprise me at all to be able to see the fans here and also to the people who have worked tirelessly to get the ground ready,” he added.

Meanwhile, the franchise is making sure that the fans remain connected with the team.

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A large number of Super Kings fans travelled to Pune – to cheer for the team on  ‘Whistle Podu Express’.

Chennai Super Kings will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (April 22).

Also, read: IPL 2018: Virender Sehwag Believes Chris Gayle is The Biggest Entertainer

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