Mumbai Indians moved up to second in the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) standings after beating Chennai Super Kings by 46 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk on Friday. The defeat was CSK’s heaviest ever defeat in Chepauk and ended their unbeaten run at home this season. MI dominated the game with both bat and ball as Rohit Sharma led the way with 67 and Lasith Malinga finished with figures of 4 for 37.

After the game, Rahul Chahar spoke about the importance of dismissing CSK’s in-form players early. “This match was very important for us, getting a win mattered a lot. Our focus was their in-form batsmen, the likes of Shane Watson and others. We dismissed him at a crucial time and that was a big moment for us in the match,” he told reporters at the post-match press conference.

While elaborating on his bowling style, Chahar explained: “I think (I have a similar style to) Shane Warne. When I was young, my coach and uncle used to bring his DVD and show his highlights to me. I started watching and learning from him when I was eight years old.”

The 19-year-old also revealed how working under Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan and bowling coach Shane Bond has improved him. “I was with MI last year as well, during that time I got to learn a lot. All the coaches here, Bond sir, Zaheer sir, they have helped me loads. This improved my confidence gradually and I was bowling very well in the start. Shane Bond and Zaheer Khan were always backing me along the way, whenever there was a net session, they guide me and stay available, they have helped me a great deal,” Chahar said.

When asked about skipper Rohit’s return to form, Chahar added: “For our team, his form matters a lot to us. He can single-handedly win games, so consequently his form is very important as there are tough matches ahead.”