"You use them in a manner where they have most chances of performing" - MS Dhoni on CSK's success

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has opened up on the team's sensational IPL record since the inaugural edition. Dhoni revealed that it's all about slotting players where they are likely to have their best chance of success.

The Super Kings booked their playoffs berth in IPL 2023 with a 77-run victory over the Delhi Capitals on Saturday in an away game. Since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, the Yellow Army haven't reached the knockouts only twice.

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Following a convincing win over the Capitals, the 41-year-old said that the best use of players is putting them in a favourable position even if it comes at one's own expense. He said at the post-match presentation:

"I think there is no recipe as such. You try to pick the best players and you try to give them the best slot where they have more chances of performing. You use them in a manner where they have most chances of performing. And at the same time, groom them in the areas where they're not very strong. It maybe a batter, maybe a bowler. Somebody has to make that sacrifice, you may have to give your slot to somebody else."

Dhoni highlighted that the management has also done a commendable job in ensuring every player's success:

"So I feel that's one of the reasons apart from the fact that the management has been great, including the support staff. They've always backed us, they always tell us, 'Don't worry, keep doing what you're doing, you will do well'. So, I think I feel all these things together, they have a bigger, bigger impact. And I think that's one of the reasons why we have been successful."

The Yellow Brigade made a formidable 223 on a slowish wicket on Saturday against the Capitals. The total came on the back of a 141-run opening stand between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. They reached the playoffs despite some injuries along the way.

"That's one less headache in managing the bowlers" - MS Dhoni on CSK's death bowling

Matheesha Pathirana. (Image Credits: Twitter)

Dhoni especially heaped praise on Tushar Deshpande for a marked improvement in death bowling and mentioned how natural is Matheesha Pathirana in that department.

"I think when it comes to death bowling, confidence is a very important factor. If you see Tushar from the first game till now, he is somebody who has developed that death-over bowling. Not to forget, Pathirana is someone who's quite natural when it comes to the last three, four, or five overs. So that's one less headache in managing the bowlers. But Tushar, the way he has come up from the first game onwards, he has been remarkable."

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The Super Kings are likely to face the Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier.