MS Dhoni is poised to participate in his 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), marking what is effectively his 25th year in professional cricket, having made his senior debut in the Ranji Trophy for Bihar in January 2000. Remarkably, at the age of 42, he continued to contribute significantly to the Chennai Super Kings last season, amassing 161 runs at an impressive strike rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.66 over 11 innings, while also demonstrating his agility behind the stumps. Harbhajan Singh, a long-time teammate of Dhoni, recently shared insights from their conversation regarding how Dhoni maintains his performance at this age.

“I encountered him at a wedding recently. He appeared very fit and robust,” Harbhajan stated on ESPNCricinfo. “I inquired, 'Isn’t it challenging, what you’re doing?' He replied, ‘It is challenging, but this is the only thing I enjoy. I look forward to playing as the clock approaches 4 or 5 in the evening. I want to do it.’ Therefore, as long as that passion remains within you, you will continue to pursue it.”

'He is not just surviving but dominating all bowlers'

Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020, with his final match for India occurring during the World Cup semi-final the year prior. Since that time, he has exclusively participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Harbhajan remarked that it must be challenging for Dhoni to play solely in the IPL without any other cricket engagements; however, the extensive practice sessions he undertakes prior to the tournament, where he faces a significant number of deliveries, likely contribute positively to his performance.

"It is indeed difficult to remain competitive without playing any cricket in between, yet he demonstrates how to manage it effectively. He must be employing strategies that surpass those of his peers. He is not merely surviving; he is excelling against all bowlers. The volume of deliveries he faces during the rigorous practice sessions he conducts 2-3 months ahead of the IPL is substantial," he stated.

Read Also: ‘Dhoni Handed Me the New Ball Against Sachin and Walked Away’: Ashwin’s IPL Revelation

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