On MS Dhoni's Fitness Status Ahead Of IPL 2024, Ex-Teammate's 'Past 40' Comment

MS Dhoni's comeback on the cricket field has got all the Chennai Super Kings fans excited. The CSK skipper was seen in action at the IPL 2023 after which he went for a knee surgery. Although, MS Dhoni has long retired from international cricket, the former Indian cricket team is still a force in IPL. He guided the CSK to its fifth IPL title in 2923 and will be aiming for a record-breaking sixth trophy when the 2024 IPL begins in the last week of March. 

Several videos have shown MS Dhoni training ahead of the IPL 2024. MS Dhoni's long-time India teammate Irfan Pathan gave the fans an update on his fitness. On the speculation that MS Dhoni may play his last IPL in 2024, Irfan Pathan was quoted as saying on Star Sports by Times Now: "Definitely not. I met him about a month ago. He had long hair, he is growing his hair. He is going back to the old times and looking supremely fit. For a guy, who is past 40 and still looking so fit. I really hope for his sake, for his franchise's sake and all the fans' sake, he continues to play."

MS Dhoni is the only Indian cricket team captain to win the T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy too. Under MS Dhoni, India became the world No. 1 Test side also. While MS Dhoni has retired from international cricket, he still competes in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. He led his team to the title in the IPL 2023 and will aim to emulate the feat again this year. 

Along with Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni is the most successful captain in the IPL. Both have won five IPL titles each. 

With such a track record, when MS Dhoni speaks about leadership, one should listen wholeheartedly. On Friday, MS Dhoni spoke about leadership and captain duting an event in Mumbai. 

MS Dhoni said the respect for a leader comes from his deeds rather than words.

"I always felt that earning respect (as a leader) is important as it does not come with the chair or rank. It comes with your conduct. People are insecure at times. Sometimes, even if the team believes in you, you are actually the first person who will not believe in you," he said.

"To sum it up, don't try to command respect but earn it, as it is very organic. Once you have that loyalty then the performance too will follow," he said.

Topics mentioned in this article

MS Dhoni Irfan Pathan India Cricket Team IPL 2024 Chennai Super Kings Cricket