The Indian Premier League  (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the second team to lift the coveted trophy for the third time in the history of IPL on Sunday. They defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in front of the packed Wankhede Stadium. It was not a nail-biting finish as most of the fans were expecting in the final of the tournament, but it was a brilliant display of cricket on both teams. CSK’s opener, Shane Watson emerged as the spearhead for the champions and took the match away from the men in orange with a sensational century (117 off 57).

After the conclusion of IPL 2018 players’ auctions, most of the cricket fans were doubtful about the player selection of the team management. As many as 9 crucial cogs of the team were above the age of 30, including skipper MS Dhoni himself. The average age of the team made people suspicious the team is even capable of catching up with the breakneck speed of the tournament and maintain that level of fitness for almost two months.

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Proving all the predictions wrong, CSK played as a team, which is largely proportionate to age, and had the last smile at the end. Captain MS Dhoni has said on numerous occasions including the post-match ceremony of the final, that age is not the factor, fitness is. The innings played by Watson in a pressure situation like the final and made sure that the team goes past the line without any further hiccups. 

Another Indian celebrity, who has only aged like a fine wine, is Salman Khan, who joined the Hindi commentary box with his Race 3 co-star Anil Kapoor to promote the movie. When asked by commentator Irfan Pathan about his thoughts on the lack of youth in the CSK team, he shrugged it off with complete confidence.

“What are you even saying!? No one retires at the age of 30!” said Salman Khan. It was a fitting reply to all those who have been accusing CSK of going for aged players.