Mumbai Indians clinched a record-fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) title after beating Chennai Super Kings by 1 run in a thrilling final at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday. The win meant that MI became the most successful side in the history of the IPL with four title triumphs and skipper Rohit Sharma admitted that he was expecting a close final.

“We knew it would be close. In the first half when we got those runs, we knew it would be tight. We were prepared for it. It was about holding your nerve at crucial times of the innings. Although we were lacking in the field and dropped a few catches but that can happen. We had a great tournament in the field (overall), we took some brilliant catches as well. Really happy that we went over the finishing line in the end,” Rohit told reporters at the post-match press conference.

Sunday’s final triumph marked the fifth time that Rohit has won the IPL. However, he wasn’t keen to pick a favourite when asked to choose. “It’s very tough. IPL is a tough tournament to win. I’m not going to pick one because it is very hard. All my five finals that I have won, we had exceptional seasons. Every season has its own challenge and to cross that challenge, it takes an effort. I would pick all five and cherish them. It would be unfair to pick one,” he said.

While recalling the final over, Rohit said: “The moment the umpire raised his hand (after the final ball) I just ran. It was a great moment. In the last overs we always gather collectively as a team and decide what needs to be done. Few of the senior guys talk between overs about what we should be doing. That’s a trend we have been following. We don’t rely on one individual, it is always a collective team effort, even the decision-making.”

The match went down to the last over with CSK requiring nine for the win. With the title on the line, Rohit turned to Lasith Malinga, who had been uncharacteristically expensive in his first few overs. Our skipper later explained his thinking behind giving Malinga the final over. “When the decision comes off, it looks good. When it doesn’t, it doesn't look nice. Malinga has done this before. He has been in this situation before. Defended 5-10 runs. We backed him. I clearly remember when we won in 2017, it was Mitchell Johnson who defended 10 runs. Sometimes you have to back your instincts. Even today, Malinga is one of the finest T20 players that we have seen. For MI, he has done it for many years. Nine runs in the final over, anything can happen, but you have to back his experience.”

Rohit then elaborated on the discussion he had with Malinga leading up to the final delivery of the match, which trapped Shardul Thakur in front of the stumps. “Both the teams are under pressure. At that time what we decide is very crucial. We didn’t want to take it to the Super Over. It could have gone either way. The idea was to get him out. I know Shardul (Thakur) very well. He plays for Mumbai and I understand where he wants to hit. Malinga and I decided (to bowl the slower ball) together. We knew he would go for a big hit. But it was a brave decision. It could have gone anywhere.”

When asked about the role played by the support staff this year, Rohit added: “Strategies and planning does help. We are very good at what we do here. Fortunate to have a staff like this who sit day-in and day-out planning strategies. Planning does help most of the time because you need some understanding about the opposition.”