'Nobody gives you a discount for age' says MS Dhoni on playing competitive cricket

IPL 2025: Why MS Dhoni doesn't deserve Playing X1 Spot?

May 21, 2024

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‘Nobody gives you a discount for age’ says MS Dhoni on playing competitive cricket

MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain of the Indian cricket team and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recently opened up about the challenges of playing competitive cricket at the age of 42. In IPL 2024, he transitioned from captaincy to being a wicket-keeper batter for CSK. However, his desire to compete remains strong and it comes with its own set of challenges.

One of the biggest challenges for MS Dhoni was to stay physically fit. Unlike younger players who compete throughout the year, Dhoni’s workload is more limited. This necessitates a hardcore training routine to maintain the fitness level required for the high-octane environment of the IPL. “Nobody gives you a discount for age,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of staying fit to compete with youngsters at their peak.

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MS Dhoni highlights the importance of a disciplined lifestyle to achieve this. He steers clear of social media distractions, focusing on diet and training to maintain his physical fitness. This dedication shows his passion for staying fit for his team, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to commitment.

Jadeja's reaction When MS Dhoni was caught out. pic.twitter.com/3AU9iMJ18f

— 🎰 (@StanMSD) May 21, 2024

Retirement from international cricket has brought welcome changes for Dhoni. He now cherishes the time spent with his family, a luxury that was limited during his playing days. However, the competitive fire within him still burns. To maintain his focu, he has embraced new hobbies – farming, motorcycles, and vintage cars. These pursuits provide him with an outlet for stress relief and a sense of accomplishment outside the cricketing world.

“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 is the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars. These things de-stress me,” Dhoni explained.

MS Dhoni also finds peace in his pets, particularly his dogs. Their unconditional love offers emotional support, especially after demanding matches. This ability to find balance between the intensity of competition and the calmness of personal pursuits is a valuable lesson for athletes navigating the demanding world of professional sports.

MS Dhoni in IPL 2024

Despite managing his workload post-surgery, MS Dhoni’s impact on CSK in IPL 2024 was unmatchable. He played a crucial role in many matches, scoring a noteworthy 161 runs in 14 matches. His batting average of 53.67 and a strike rate exceeding 220 showed his ability to deliver under pressure, even at the twilight of his career.

MS Dhoni’s future in competitive cricket remains uncertain. However, his IPL 2024 performance shows his never-ending passion and exceptional skills. Whether he continues to play or decides to hang up his boots, MS Dhoni’s legacy as a cricketing legend is firmly established. His ability to adapt, evolve, and maintain a healthy balance between professional demands and personal well-being is something that every celebrity wants to learn from him.