“I’ve won a lot of titles, but this one is very emotional”

This bunch is special. This is a bunch of champions. This season has been epic, coming back from the dead when everyone had written us off, to walk away with the winners’ medal around our neck. Here are the instant reactions from the sidelines with the broadcaster minutes after the heist was pulled off…

Mitchell McClenaghan | MINY Bowling Coach: “Super proud. We got knocked back with Naveen getting injured early, and we didn't have a few bowlers turn up. But we played six games. Tristan and Rushil have played nine now, and for the way they stood up in a big moment in the last three games to get the job done. I couldn't be more proud of the two youngsters, and the whole bowling group was outstanding. Boult from ball one got the job done and in the end proved his class."

Tristan Luus: “Basically, there's some prep done back home, but I was ready since the start of this tournament. Couldn't wait to play, and finally got my opportunity, and I've just made full advantage of it. Definitely, it's just the culture and, like, the team and just the players; it makes you more comfortable with the team and the coaches, they definitely play a big role.”

Trent Boult: “I think it was a great final. I think that's what you want. The league deserves that. And, yeah, to come out on top is a great feeling. Telling you all these secrets off here, but you're throwing me under the bus here. But it's a tough, tough place to bowl. It's a good wicket. There are some quality batters, and everyone is trying to hit sixes these days. So, credit to Washington. I thought they had a great tournament. They were in that game the whole time and probably one or two boundaries away from winning it. So it's as close as the game could be. I'm a sprightly 36-year-old, but still learning. I think that's still part of it. And I think a lot of credit should go to the young bowling attack. We've got Tristan, who's just turned 20. Young Rushil to hold his nerve under pressure like that. I'd be training with him for two years. He's been a part of the Mumbai Indians, training in the nets, bowling, and with some good players, but to come out there in that situation under pressur and hold his nerve. He's going to remember that for a long time. So good on him. I think MI Franchises--that's what they do. They invest in young players. They find talent early as part of the IPL wider training squad with the Mumbai Indians in the nets every day; you're only going to get better bowling in those situations. To those players and boys who hit the nets, it's a different game from what's happening out there in the middle. And you wouldn't know, he held his nerve. Perfectly executed the plan. Those were two brilliant finishes.”

Mark Boucher | MINY Head Coach: “We've had some tight games in the tournament, but I'm super stoked for the guys. I mean, we put a lot of hard effort into the way we started the tournament. Probably no one would have put us in the final to win a game like this. What a game of cricket, for the USA as well. If I'm rivalled up against Ricky, then I think I'm going in the right direction, because he's a fantastic coach. So, just to compare to him and competition like that is great. A lot of these tournaments are franchise cricket; it's not about having the best team on paper. It's what you do off the field and the camaraderie. And I think the guys, even though we are losing tight games, are sticking together well. And it's just great for them to get a fantastic result like that. We've been playing knockout cricket for the last two weeks now, so we were a battle-hardened team. And it's just nice to get out of there; in a good game of cricket."

Kieron Pollard: “It means a lot. We fought hard. I said one win in seven. Everyone sort of wrote us off. And I've mentioned time and time again, there is something in this MI Franchise that until we are mathematically out of any tournament, you should not rule us out. The belief that the guys showed everyone, from the management staff to the captain, to everybody. It's just unbelievable standing here, for us to go and collect that second MLC trophy for MI New York. I can't tell the future, but what I can tell you is that I enjoyed my time here. It was one where I came into this tournament. I hadn't played cricket since January. Had to leave early due to the passing of my mom, and I was motivated. A lot of other things internally and behind the scenes as well, sort of motivated me to come out and show you what I am made of. So again, this one feels good; it's a bit emotional. I've won a lot of titles, but this one deep down inside is a bit emotional for myself. 

Rushil Ugarkar: "It's still setting in slowly and slowly, but I'm excited. I was just telling him (Pooan) I know what I'm doing; let's just keep talking every single ball to keep me calm. I felt the wicket was quite slow, so I wanted to make good use of the off-cutters that I had. That was the plan the entire time. I reckon initially, when I started the tournament, I was getting hit quite a bit, so it was just a matter of me coming back. So I started focusing a lot of my sessions, and just kept on playing and kept on bowling. (Playing a final before) Yeah, but not at this level. The feeling is setting in slowly. I guess when we lift the trophy, it will probably get to me better."