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Captain Dhoni reveals secret of CSK's success

April 21, 2015 17:13 IST

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (centre) with his Chennai Super Kings team mates. Photograph: BCCI

Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni says the camaraderie between the young and senior players is key to his team's good showing in the Indian Premier League.

"The reason for CSK's consistency has been the gelling of young and senior cricket players with the help of support staff," Dhoni said.

Answering to a query that not many youngsters are coming out of CSK as compared to the other IPL teams, Dhoni said it is difficult to drop senior players to accommodate youngsters but his team has given some good youngsters who are representing India.

"We had Jadeja coming in as a youngster. We also had Ishwar Pandey, Mohit Sharma, who is playing for India. We also had Pawan Negi. We have young pool of players but we cannot make senior players like Brendon McCullum to sit outside - it is always a difficult choice," he said.

Dhoni pointed out that having senior players like Australian Michael Hussey in the side is beneficial for youngsters as they learn a lot about batting from the experienced left-hander.

"It is very beneficial to have senior players like Hussey who can guide young players. That is what we have been doing and that is why we have a pool of talent in our team," he added.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva. Photograph: PTI

Replying to a query on his baby daughter Ziva, Dhoni said he missed her badly during the long Australian tour earlier this year.

"When she was born I was not in India, had not seen her. It was a tough period," he said.

Sakshi Singh Dhoni with daughter Ziva. Photograph courtesy: Twitter

Dhoni said the birth of a child brings changes in people's lives.

"Your life does change with the kind of smile the baby gives you," he said.

"She doesn't care whether I play for my country or play for a good franchisee like Chennai. She wants to cry, she cries. It gives a very good feeling," the India captain added.

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