MS Dhoni is gearing up for his 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) season, marking 25 years in professional cricket since his debut in the Ranji Trophy for Bihar in 2000. Even at 42, Dhoni played a crucial role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last season, scoring 161 runs at a staggering strike rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.66. He also remained sharp as ever behind the stumps.
Former India spinner and Dhoni’s longtime teammate, Harbhajan Singh, recently shared what keeps the CSK legend going at this age.
“I met him recently at a wedding function. He looked very fit and solid,” Harbhajan told ESPNCricinfo. “I asked him, ‘Isn’t it hard, what you’re doing?’ He said, ‘It is hard, but this is the only thing I love doing. I enjoy it. As soon as the clock strikes 4 or 5 in the evening, I feel like going out to play. And I want to do it.’ So as long as you have that hunger inside, you will keep going.”
‘He Is Not Just Surviving, But Dominating’
Dhoni bid farewell to international cricket in August 2020, with his last match being the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Since then, the IPL has been his sole competitive cricket platform.
Harbhajan pointed out that playing only the IPL without any other matches throughout the year is extremely challenging. However, Dhoni’s rigorous practice regime before the tournament keeps him in top shape.
“It’s hard to play at this level without any cricket in between, but he is proving how it’s done. He must be doing something better than others. He is not just surviving; he is dominating bowlers. He faces an incredible number of deliveries in the two to three months of practice before the IPL,” Harbhajan added.
As CSK prepares for IPL 2025, Dhoni’s hunger and dedication remain as strong as ever, proving why he continues to be a force to reckon with in the tournament.
