England pacer Mark Wood said that he would love to be a 'match-winner' for the Chennai Super Kings as the franchise makes its way back into the Indian Premier League after two-years. The 11th edition of the league would commence from next month in April and the spearhead feels that he would get to learn plenty under the guidance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni who takes charge after his stint with Rising Pune Supergiants.
The highly-rated Durham bowler, who regularly clocks 140kmph, said he wants to thrive under pressure and can learn from the legends of the game.
"I think learning to cope in pressure situations can only help. And picking the brains of some of the legends of the game... MS Dhoni as my captain will provide a great insight and I would love to work with (Dwayne) Bravo and develop my slower ball, the 28-year-old Wood said.
Wood said he was "immensely proud" to get to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.
"It will be an immensely proud moment for me to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL," Wood was quoted as saying by the CSK website.
"Not only is the IPL a great competition but I also get to play for the best team! Who wouldn't want that? Im very lucky and hope to be a match-winner for my team, he added.
Wood, who is a part of CSKs' bowling attack which includes Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur, feels that the experienced players can help guide the players in tough situations.
"It might not go your way every time but if you give everything you've got and commit to every ball, then, hopefully, you come out on the right side more often than not, Wood said.
Chennai Super Kings' CEO K S Viswanathan said the team was looking at someone who could regularly bowl at 140kmph and head coach Stephen Fleming felt Wood could be a good option and do well in the IPL.
"We were looking at someone who can regularly bowl at 140kmph and (head coach) Stephen Fleming felt Wood was a good option. We feel he has the potential to do well in the IPL," Viswanathan added.
Chennai, who make their way back into the league after two years have plenty of options in the league this time with the pacers and with the franchise relying heavily on the experienced players, Wood feels that he is playing for the best team in the IPL.
Chennai Super Kings will play the opener against defending champions and arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on April 7.
(With PTI Inputs)
