CSK vs SRH, IPL 2019: If I tell the secret of reaching play-offs, Chennai won’t buy me at the auction: MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was at his cheeky best when asked about the three-time champions’ secret of making Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs for a record number of times since the inception of the cash-rich league.

Shane Watson turned back the clock in stunning style and hit a masterful 96 to guide CSK to a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chepauk Stadium on Tuesday. Courtesy of this six wicket win, Chennai reclaim the top spot on the IPL table and they have virtually sealed a place in the knock-out stages of the tournament.

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If CSK do make it into the last four of the competition, they will reach 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 had a funny answer loaded up his sleeves.

“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 during the post-match presentation.

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“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.