'There's no recipe as such, try to pick the best players and give them the best slot' - MS Dhoni on CSK's success mantra in IPL

After outplaying Delhi Capitals on Saturday (May 20) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings advanced to the IPL playoffs for a record 12th time, extending their dominance in the cash-rich event. CSK defeated DC by 77 runs to advance to the 2023 playoffs as they took up the second spot in the points table and set a date with Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. 

After CSK’s win, Dhoni was asked about the team’s success mantra to which the 41-year-old said that the team’s main aim is to select the best players, develop them, and focus on their areas of strength. The CSK management and support team were also given credit by Captain Cool, for organizing everything for the players.

During the post-match presentation, Sanjay Manjhrekar asked Dhoni the reason behind CSK qualifying for the playoffs almost every time, to which the wicketkeeper-batter replied:

“There's no recipe as such. You try to pick the best players and give them the best slot, use them in a manner where they can perform. At the same time, groom them in areas that aren't strong. You have to do what's best for the team and everything else falls into play.”

You have to try your best to adjust to the environment: Dhoni

CSK’s bowlers have been at their best of late. Deepak Chahar’s return has been a major factor for CSK as the four-time champions have gotten crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay. Tushar Deshpande, who started the season on a horrendous note, has been having a season to relish. Matheesha Pathirana has been the find of the season for CSK as he has emerged as a brilliant death bowler.

“The management and backroom staff deserve credit to form the environment but the players are of course important. [Death bowling] When it comes to death bowling, confidence is an important factor. When you look at Tushar from the start of the season, he has been a lot better. When you have the confidence behind you, you can perform more often than not. You have to put in work behind the scenes. You can see with Pathirana as well, he's put in the work behind the scenes and that shows on the field,” Dhoni added.

Dhoni also revealed that the reason behind the team doing so well as a unit is that the players are groomed in a way where they keep the team ahead of themselves. The 41-year-old said that slowly and gradually, they try to shape the players in a manner where they prioritize the team’s needs ahead of their individual performances.

“One thing that's a bit difficult to figure out is the individuals who want to put the team first. They can't be looking at individual performances. It's difficult to figure that out initially but it's something we work on over the season. You have to try your best to adjust to the environment, even it's a 20% and then we can do the rest,” Dhoni concluded