MS Dhoni birthday 2024| "Nobody gives you discount for age": MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni (Pic: File Pic)

Former Indian and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni said that there is no discount given for age when it comes to playing Indian Premier League.

MS Dhoni played the IPL 2024 season under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy. Gaikwad-led CSK got eliminated out of the IPL 2024 playoffs after facing a defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday. Chennai finished the league stage in the fifth spot with seven victories and seven losses. Due to poor run rate, the side was eliminated from the playoffs' race.

Speaking in a video on Dubai Eye 103.8 YouTube channel on Monday, Dhoni said, "The toughest thing is... I am not playing cricket throughout the year. So I have to be fit. Once I come, you are competing against youngsters who are fit and playing international cricket. Professional sport is not easy, nobody gives you a discount for age. If you want to play, you have to be as fit as the other guy. Age does not really give that grace to you. So, eating habits, a bit of training and all those things are there. Social media, thankfully, I am not on social media, so there's less distraction."

The 42-year-old also mentioned that during his peak cricketing career, he missed family time due to endorsements and continuous matches. He also revealed things that help him de-stress.

Also Read: IPL 2024 Qualifier 1, KKR Vs SRH: Road to the finals!

"Once I quit international cricket, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my family. But, at that same time, to be mentally active, to have that passion to stay focussed for me, I love farming, for me it is the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars. These things de-stress me. If am stressed, I would maybe go to the garage, spend a couple of hours over there and I will just be fine, I would come back," he said.

"I have always felt growing up with a pet, whether it is a cat or a dog... I prefer dogs though. They have unconditional love towards you. I have said this in a previous interview, even if I lose a game and come back, my dog greets me the same way," Dhoni further said.

Following the knee surgery MS Dhoni underwent last year, CSK has been managing his workload accordingly in the IPL 2024. He came out to bat when a handful of deliveries were left.

Yet he put up staggering figures in 14 matches. Dhoni amassed 161 runs at an average of 53.67 and a whopping strike rate of 220.55.

After Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sent CSK out of the race for IPL 2024 playoffs, bowling consultant Eric Simons heaped praise on the veteran power-hitter.

"But I think anybody wants to speculate about his future, that is crazy. MS knows what he is going to do. I know that this year I have seen him hit the ball from the pre-tournament camp. So he is playing extremely well and he will make the decision. But he is a fantastic guy to be around. He has been fantastic to witness from the days I was with India and now with CSK. He is an incredible cricketer and an incredible individual in terms of his understanding of cricket and life. I think in many ways that what he passes on to guys is the incredible self-belief, never say die and a simple understanding of the game of cricket he can put it in simple words and I think that is one of the best things about him," Simons said in the post-match press conference.

As of now uncertainty still revolves around the future of Dhoni and only he can tell if he would feature in the next edition.

(With ANI Inputs)