Head coach Stephen Fleming said Mahendra Singh Dhoni's unbeaten 70 might hog the headlines but it was opener Ambati Rayudu's 53-ball 82-run innings which set things up for Chennai Super Kings as they secured a five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore.
"Dhoni is going to get a lot of headlines but the innings from Rayudu was outstanding as well. He has been the form player for us in all conditions and has followed on from the Hyderabad game with another instrumental knock," he told reporters at post-match press conference on Wednesday late night here in Bengaluru.
He said Rayudu has been instrumental in winning games for Chennai Super Kings with his ability to bat aggressively.
"The power game he has got has gone unnoticed but we certainly value the performances that he has put in this year so far. He has been instrumental in us winning games and staying in the games. I couldn't be more happy with him," Fleming said.
Fleming said the security and support of the team has given confidence to Rayudu.
"Opportunity. Having the confidence that he is a part of this team. And also the backing of the team to play aggressively. He has batted at a couple of different positions but has got the confidence and the security of a regular position. He is now experiencing how good he can be with some good form and confidence," he said.
Fleming also lauded AB de Villiers for putting RCB in a strong position with his 68 off 30 balls.
"De Villiers, I thought, had won the game for Bangalore," he said.
"We thought it was going to be slow and difficult wicket and I think it was. It's just the fact that de Villiers countered us so well. We had our spinners ready to go but his onslaught just took them out of play. So from a tactical point of view, that really put Bangalore in a strong position," former New Zealand skipper said.