Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh shared an interesting conversation with MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025. He asked Dhoni how he continues to play at 43, Dhoni replied that playing cricket is the only thing he enjoys.
Notably, MS Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020. His last game for India was in 2019. However, he has continued to play in the IPL. Last season, he was brilliant as CSK’s finisher. He scored 161 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.66. His strike rate was an impressive 220.54.
“Cricket is the only thing I love”: MS Dhoni
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Harbhajan recalled their conversation. He said, “I recently met Dhoni at a friend’s wedding, and he looked very fit. I asked him if what he was doing was difficult. He replied, “It is tough, but cricket is the only thing I love. I enjoy playing. When it’s 4 or 5, I feel like going out and playing.”
Harbhajan praised Dhoni’s dedication. He said the CSK legend is still dominating bowlers. Dhoni trains for 2-3 months before the IPL. He faces many balls in practice.
Dhoni was retained by CSK as an ‘Uncapped Player’ for INR 4 crore before the IPL 2025 auction. He stepped down as captain before IPL 2024. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been leading the team since last season.
Despite Dhoni’s finishing skills, CSK missed the IPL 2024 playoffs for only the third time in its history.
Harbhajan revealed Dhoni’s work ethic. He said Dhoni is always the first to arrive and the last to leave practice. He spends hours batting to perfect his timing. “At this age, this is what makes the difference,” Harbhajan said.
Dhoni is the IPL’s sixth-highest run-scorer. He has scored 5,243 runs in 264 matches. His average is 39.12, with a strike rate of 137.53.
CSK will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23 in Chennai.