Chennai Super Kings' batter Ambati Rayudu couldn't have asked for a better finish to his IPL career as he signed off on a title-winning note, with CSK clinching its fifth IPL trophy after a thrilling win over Gujarat Titans in the final on Monday in Ahmedabad.
Ahead of the final, Rayudu had announced his retirement from the cash-rich league.
The middle-order batter said his hard work for the last 30 years has paid rich dividends.
"It's a fairytale finish. I couldn't have asked for more. I'm fortunate to have played in really great sides. I can smile for the rest of my life. All the hard work I've done in the last 30 years, I'm happy I got to finish on this note," said Rayudu after the final.
"I would really like to thank my family, my father. Without them this wouldn't have been possible."
CSK chased down the revised target of 171 in 15 overs, after rain stopped play in the first over of their run-chase, following GT's 214/4.
Ravindra Jadeja provided a grandstand finish, hitting a six and a four with 10 needed off the last two balls, to stun Gujarat Titans as CSK won the thriller by five wickets (DLS method) at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
(With agency inputs)
