Sachin Tendulkar: MS Dhoni run out turning point of IPL 2019 final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings

Former India captain, now a Mumbai team mentor, also praises fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for one-run victory

HYDERABAD, INDIA - MAY 12: Sachin Tendulkar is seen during the Indian Premier League Final match between the the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Hyderabad, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
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Sachin Tendulkar believes the Indian Premier League final hinged on the run out of MS Dhoni.

Tendulkar was in the Mumbai Indians dug out as the franchise claimed a record fourth IPL title with a thrilling one-run win over Chennai Super Kings in Hyderabad on Sunday night.

After Mumbai posted 149-8 from their 20 overs, it had felt as though CSK were poised to chase it for a fourth title of their own.

They reached 70-1 in the 10th over, and even after a slight wobble in the middle overs, the stage appeared set for Dhoni to finish the game in the fashion he is so used to doing.

However, the CSK captain was run out by a direct hit from Ishan Kishan when attempting to steal an overthrow.

The decision was far from clear cut. There was a lengthy break in play while Nigel Llong, the third umpire, came to the conclusion that Dhoni’s bat was on the popping crease when the bails left their groove.

Tendulkar, who is part of a star-studded Mumbai management team, said it was a turning point, but also praised the efforts of the side’s young bowlers in getting the job done.

Jasprit Bumrah was named Man of the Match for his return of 2-14 from his four overs, while 19-year-old spinner Rahul Chahar took 1-14.

“Obviously the key moment was to get Dhoni run out, but also when Bumrah bowled those critical overs,” Tendulkar said on his post-match television interview.

“After [Lasith] Malinga bowled an expensive over, Bumrah came and evened that out a bit. Then, when Krunal Pandya gave up some runs, Bumrah came back very hard.

“It was a terrific team performance. When it comes to finals, we were thinking about the last time we played here, when we defended 129.”

Mahela Jayawardene, the Mumbai coach, praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership, as the captain picked up a fifth IPL winners medal, having won the 2009 title with Deccan Chargers.

“We had a lot of trust in the group,” Jayawardene said. “They never gave up. We had the game at one point, when MS was run out, but again [Shane Watson, who led the chase with 80 from 59 balls] came and got those boundaries.

“We knew it was going to be a tricky one. Great decisions by Rohit, going back to the experienced bowlers, that is why we wanted to defend as well.

“It was an amazing game. That is why we play this game.”