Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni recently highlighted that age doesn’t come with any concessions in cricket, especially in tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite not being involved in cricket year-round, the 42-year-old Dhoni has been an active participant in the ongoing IPL 2024, representing CSK under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership this season.
However, CSK’s playoff hopes ended after a defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), leaving them in fifth place with seven wins, seven losses, and 14 points, primarily due to an inferior net run rate.
In a video posted on the Dubai Eye 103.8 YouTube channel on Monday, MS Dhoni discussed the challenges of staying fit and competitive in cricket at his age. He emphasized that despite not playing cricket year-round, he must maintain peak fitness to compete with younger players who are actively involved in international cricket. Dhoni stressed that professional sports do not offer any concessions for age; one must be as fit as the younger players to stay competitive.
He also highlighted the importance of healthy eating habits, training, and avoiding distractions, noting that he is not active on social media, which helps him stay focused.
Reflecting on his career’s peak, Dhoni mentioned missing out on family time due to cricketing commitments, endorsements, and other engagements. He also shared insights into his methods for destressing and maintaining focus, including spending time with pets.
“Once I quit international cricket, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my family. But, at that same time, to be mentally active, to have that passion to stay focussed — for me, I love farming, for me it is the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars. These things de-stress me. If am stressed, I would maybe go to the garage, spend a couple of hours over there and I will just be fine, I would come back,” he said.
“I have always felt growing up with a pet, whether it is a cat or a dog… I prefer dogs though. They have unconditional love towards you. I have said this in a previous interview, even if I lose a game and come back, my dog greets me the same way,” Dhoni further said.
CSK has carefully managed Dhoni’s workload this season following his knee surgery last year. Despite sparing appearances, he achieved impressive statistics, scoring 161 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53.67 and a remarkable strike rate of 220.55. Following CSK’s exit from the playoffs race due to a loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), bowling consultant Eric Simons praised Dhoni’s performance as a seasoned power-hitter.
At present, there is uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s future, and only he can determine whether he will participate in the next edition.