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As he attempted to explain MS Dhoni's incredible longevity in the Indian Premier League (IPL), former spinner Harbhajan Singh recalled a chat he had with the 43-year-old at a friend's wedding. After the former CSK captain declared his return for the 2025 season, Harbhajan claimed he questioned Dhoni about how he was able to maintain his fitness and match the tournament's requirements.
Harbhajan Singh on MS Dhoni
When the five-time champion captain was retained by the Chennai Super Kings prior to the auction, speculation regarding Dhoni's IPL future came to an end. Dhoni joined CSK's pre-season camp in Chennai in February to start preparing for the IPL 2025 season. He appeared healthy and prepared right away, clearing the ropes with ease during net sessions.
"I just met him recently at one of our friend's daughter's weddings. He looked very fit, solid. I asked him, 'What you are doing at this age, isn't it tough?' He said, 'Yes, it's difficult, but this is the only thing I like doing. I find joy in it. I want to do it, go out and play.' As long as the hunger is there, you will be able to do it. It's hard without playing any cricket (throughout the year). He is showing how it's done. He must be doing something better than the others. He is not just surviving, he is dominating all the bowlers," Harbhajan told ESPNcricinfo.
"The practice that he is doing for one-two months The more balls you play, you get that timing, flow and sixes going. He bats 2-3 hours every day in Chennai. He is the first one to come to the ground and the last one to leave, even at this age. That's the difference," he added.
After battling an injury during the 2023 season, Dhoni had knee surgery prior to the 2024 IPL season. In 2024, he participated in all 14 CSK games, scoring an incredible 161 runs in 11 innings with a strike rate of 220.54. Sticking to his finisher role further down the batting order, he faced just 73 balls. Dhoni opted to play significant cameos in the final overs rather than bat higher in the order, despite the cries of commentators.
In the meantime, Harbhajan showered Dhoni with accolades for his unwavering discipline.
"I have not seen anyone with quicker hands than MS Dhoni. If the ball goes to him, you are out 9.5 times out of 10. I don't know how he does it. The hand doesn't go back at all. He is lightning quick with gloves."
Despite continuous rumours over his IPL future, MS Dhoni has remained a member of the Chennai Super Kings even after retiring from international cricket in 2020. It is unclear if the 2025 campaign will be his final one playing cricket professionally. The Super Kings player was seen sporting a T-shirt that read "One Last Time" in Morse code, which increased the excitement.
