Speaking about the competition in the Indian Premier League, MS Dhoni revealed that since he is competing against young international players, he has to be at his best in terms of fitness, as there is no discount for the age factor. He seemed to be troubled by a reported muscle tear during most of IPL 2024.
Former India captain MS Dhoni has said that nobody is given a discount for age and even for him, it is important to be at the top of his fitness levels to be able to compete with players much younger than him. Ever since his retirement from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni just plays for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and hence it becomes difficult for him to maintain his fitness throughout the year.
Speaking about the competition in IPL, Dhoni revealed that since he is competing against young international players, he has to be at his best in terms of fitness, as there is no discount for the age factor. He seemed to be troubled by a reported muscle tear during most of IPL 2024.
Dhoni further 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,” Dhoni said at a promotional event in Dubai.
The former India captain also spoke on how farming, bikes and vintage cars help him de-stress.
“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 focused, for me, I love farming, for me it’s the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars,” Dhoni said.
The former India captain spoke about 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,” Dhoni said.
There are widespread rumours on Dhoni’s retirement ever since Chennai got knocked out of IPL 2024 after a defeat to the Royal Challengers Bangalore by 27 runs in their last game.
Dhoni got dismissed for 25(13) during the match as he could not help his team reach the target of 201 required for their qualification.