Ever since his retirement from international cricket in 2020, MS Dhoni only plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Therefore, it is a difficult task for him to stay fit right through the year.
At the age of 42, Dhoni participated in the IPL 2024 season, where the defending champions CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Days after CSK’s elimination from the tournament, Dhoni opened up on his fitness regime, saying that there’s no discount for the age factor and he has to be at his best shape since he’s competing against young international players in the IPL.
The former CSK skipper also highlighted his training and eating habits and mentioned how not being on social media helps him.
“The toughest thing is... I am not playing cricket throughout the year. So I have to be fit. Once I come, you are competing against youngsters who are fit and playing international cricket. Professional sport is not easy, nobody gives you discount for age. If you want to play, you have to be as fit as the other guy. Age doesn't really give that grace to you. So, eating habits, a bit of training and all those things are there. Social media, thankfully, I am not on social media, so there's less distraction,” said Dhoni at a promotional event in Dubai.
Further speaking ahead, Dhoni reiterated his love for motorbikes and vintage cars in life and how these things de-stress him.
“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's 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 added.
Dhoni also expressed his love for pets and mentioned how they treat him the same even after a defeat.
“I have always felt growing up with a pet, whether it's 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,” he further stated.
On the eve of the IPL 2024 opener, MS Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the leadership baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Despite struggling with a calf injury, Dhoni’s performance this season was remarkable as he aggregated 161 runs at an average of 53.66 and a staggering strike rate of 220.54 across 11 innings.
In a battle for the final IPL 2024 playoffs spot, CSK had to avoid an 18-run defeat against RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (May 18) but the defending champions ended up losing the match by 27 runs.
Dhoni fought hard in the death overs and returned with a cameo of 13-ball 25 but he failed to take his team over the line.
It remains to be seen whether the legendary cricketer will come back to play for another season or will retire from professional cricket.
