CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has lead his team to victory three times in the India Premier League (2018, 2011 and 2010). When asked about CSK's mantra of success, the skipper jocularly said his team’s success mantra is a "trade secret" revealing which could leave him unsold at the IPL auctions.


"(On CSK's mantra of success) if I tell everyone what it is, then they won't buy me at the auctions. It's a trade secret," Dhoni said cheekily after CSK's six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad and their 97th overall.

"The crowd support and franchise's support are key of course. 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. It's alright, not showing signs of getting worse. With the World Cup coming, I need to be careful as that comes first," the 37-year-old said.

CSK, sitting pretty at the top with 16 points from 11 games, will next lock horns with Mumbai Indians on Friday. Chennai Super Kings have lost only three off their 11 matches in the 2019 IPL.

Dhoni has led CSK in 155 matches and won 97 while losing 57.

Dhoni sounded elated after leading Chennai Super Kings to victory as CSK ensured a play-off berth yet another time in IPL by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets on Tuesday.

The CSK skipper said that there has been some stiffness but it is holding up as of now.

"The back is holding up, it's not getting worse, with the World Cup coming up, can't afford that, because that's too important," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony after CSK beat Sunrisers by six wickets.

Dhoni said that at the highest level, there aren't any players who are not playing with a niggle or two.

"If it becomes worse, I certainly take some time off but at this level you play with some niggle or the other. Because if you wait to get fully fit, then there will be a gap of five years between two matches," the skipper said.

In 10 matches for Chennai this season, Dhoni has been their top-scorer scoring 314 runs at an average of 104.66 and a strike rate of 137.11.