Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni had a stupendous day despite illness as he masterminded an 80-run win over Delhi Capitals in the IPL on Wednesday.

Dhoni first smashed a quick 44 before completing two split-second stumpings and finishing the match with a sharp catch as CSK rose to the top of the table and all but secured their spot in Qualifier 1.

The 37-year-old played despite struggling with a bad back and illness. After the match, Dhoni said he is keeping it simple when it comes to batting.

“Watch the ball, hit the ball. [Once] you’ve spent time, you know the variations. By the 20th over you’re almost ready and you swing at everything,” Dhoni explained.

Veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir had a brilliant day on a raging turner at Chepauk, finishing with 4-12. Dhoni said the number of dismissals meant the lively leggie got multiple chances to go on his elaborate celebratory runs.

“It’s great fun to watch Tahir celebrate,” Dhoni said. “Me and (Shane) Watson have said we won’t follow him. What’s the point when we’re not 100 per cent (fit). He anyway comes back to us so that time we tell him ‘well bowled’.”

Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer said getting bowled out for 99 chasing 179 was a reality check before the playoffs.

“The way we played was not expected. It’s a good reality check. Everybody will be on their toes in the next game,” Iyer said.