Mumbai: Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Monday agreed that while it is hard to “keep up” with younger players in the squad but it will be a “big positive” for the 39-year-old if they are not able to point fingers at him over his fitness.
When it comes to MS Dhoni, age was just a number when he played for India. As Captain Cool got older, he ensured that he kept in shape. His journey as an international cricketer is celebrated for all his outstanding performances which have put a smile on the faces of a billion fans.
The 39-year-old Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year is arguably one of the fittest player in the world. He still continues to be the fastest man between the wickets and gives. He still wowed his billions of fans with his fitness and unbeaten batting exploits.
“When you are playing, you don’t really want anyone to say he’s unfit. I have to keep up with the younger guys, they are very fast, it’s good to challenge them,” Dhoni said after CSK beat Rajasthan Royals by 45 runs in their IPL match.
“Performances are something that’s guaranteed. I wasn’t guaranteeing performances when I was 24. I can’t guarantee when I am 40, but at least if people can’t point finger at me that he’s unfit then that will be a big positive for me.” the Ranchi lad added.
Talking about the match, the skipper said he was glad CSK scored 180-plus, though he said they could have got more runs. The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali was dynamite on field as they tormented the Rajasthan Royals batting line-up to ensure a second consecutive win CSK.
“I felt Sam bowled really well. Deepak, there was a bit of miscalculation with the knuckle delivery. So I felt a good start was important. Even the wet ball was spinning. I don’t really mind Jos playing reverse sweep. If the wet ball was turning then the chance of the dry ball turning is high.” Dhoni added. CSK will play their next match of the 14th IPL edition on 21st April 2021 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
