As excitement grows for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, cricket fans are eager to see the return of Mahendra Singh Dhonione of the most emblematic figures in sport. Having retired from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni is preparing to take the field for his 18th IPL season, a milestone that speaks volumes about his lasting legacy and commitment to the game. Recently, he shared his thoughts on his fitness journey, acknowledging the challenges that come with maintaining optimal physical condition at the age of 43.
MS Dhoni talks about the reality of aging and fitness
In a candid conversation on Eurogrip’s ‘Tred Talks’, Dhoni admitted: ” I’m not fit like I used to be, now you need to put a lot of effort into what you eat and I’m doing very specific things to get fit for cricket.”, highlighting the greater effort required to stay in shape.
He stressed that his exercise regime now focuses mainly on diet and specific exercises designed for cricket, adding: “We are not fast players, so our demands are not as intense.“. This admission reflects the reality many athletes face as they age: the need for a more disciplined approach to health and fitness.
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Adopt various sports for conditioning
To combat the physical demands of cricket, Dhoni has incorporated several sports into his training routine. Activities like badminton, tennis and football not only keep you engaged but also improve your agility and reflexes, crucial attributes for a wicketkeeper-batsman. This multifaceted approach to fitness allows you to enjoy different activities while effectively conditioning your body.
“What really helps me is doing a lot of sports between eating and going to the gym. So whenever I have time, I like to play a lot of different sports, like tennis, badminton or football, that keeps me busy. That’s the best way to stay in touch with fitness.”he explained.
Life after international cricket
Reflecting on his post-retirement life, Dhoni expressed his delight over his decision to step away from international cricket. Said: “I thought I would have more time, but unfortunately I don’t have much time. I don’t miss international cricket because I always think you know, you think about everything and then you make a decision.“.
His focus has shifted toward spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying motorcycle rides, and engaging in leisure activities that bring him joy. Balancing personal life and professional commitments appears to have enriched your overall well-being.
The legacy of a captain
Dhoni’s illustrious career as captain is marked by numerous achievements – leading India to victory in three limited-overs ICC tournaments and maintaining a 45% winning percentage in Test matches. His leadership style, characterized by calm under pressure, has earned him respect both on and off the field.
As Dhoni prepares to IPL 2025Anticipation is building among fans eager to witness his return. Despite acknowledging that he may not be at his peak level of fitness, he remains committed to giving his best on the field.