Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni was at his cheeky best when asked about the secret of reaching to the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs for a record number of times since the inception of the tournament.
Shane Watson turned back the clock in stunning style and hit a sensational 53-ball 96 to power CSK to a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Chepauk Stadium on Tuesday. With this win, the Yellow army has reclaimed the top spot on the IPL 2019 points table and have sealed a place in the knock-out stages of the cash rich league.
The Super Kings have reached the play-offs for the 10th time in 12 seasons (they were suspended in 2016 and 2017). When Dhoni was asked about his team’s secret for such level of consistency, the CSK skipper responded with a funny answer.
“If I tell everyone what it is, then they (CSK) won’t buy me at the auctions. It’s a trade secret. The crowd support and franchise’s support are key of course,” Dhoni said while speaking to Harsha Bhogle during the post-match presentation.
Will @msdhoni tell @bhogleharsha the secret to @ChennaiIPL's consistency, season after season 👀#CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/FMasdNUqzP
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2019
“Huge credit has to also go to the support staff who play a huge role in keeping the team atmosphere good for the team and other individuals. Other than this, I can’t reveal anything till I retire,” he added.
Dhoni has also led his team to glory three times in the IPL (2018, 2011, 2010).
CSK have lost only three off their eleven matches in the IPL 2019, and much credit goes to Dhoni’s cricketing wisdom, though he is in the final stage of his career.