IPL 2025: Is it tough to play IPL at 43? MS Dhoni shares how he manages!
Xtra Time Web Desk: Playing IPL at 43, isn't it tough? India great Mahendra Singh Dhoni reflected on the point how important it is to work harder than others to stay prepared for an IPL season.
The 43 years old former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to back in action for Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 IPL season, starting on 21 March. Clearing the air about his retirement, Dhoni said that he wants to continue playing in the IPL as long as he enjoys the game and remains committed to the hard work required.
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Him playing one more session of IPL will make him one of the oldest players in the tournament. While talking at a promotional event in Mumbai on Friday, he stated "I only play a couple of months in a year, but I want to enjoy it the way I started playing, that's something that keeps me going,"
"But, of course, for that, I need to put in a lot of hard work for six to eight months because IPL is one of the toughest tournaments. Nobody really cares about how old you are. If you're playing at this level, the level needs to be the same," the former captain further added.
Dhoni has been found spending more time with family and friends with attending Super Kings' pre-season camps regularly. The five-time IPL-winning captain has managed to maintain his fitness ensuring he continues to add value to the team.
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"When I started playing international cricket, for me the biggest motivation was representing my country," he said.
"It has always been the country for me because coming from where I came, not known for cricket as a state, once I got a chance I wanted to contribute, I wanted to be part of a winning team that was trying to win each and every game, you're trying to win the big tournaments, the bilateral series (and) so (on).
"For me, my biggest motivation was that contribution to make India win. Now that I've retired from international cricket, I can't say it's the same, but for me now, it's the love for the sport," he concluded.
All eyes will be on him how he makes his presence felt. Fans will be expecting to see their 'Thala' back in his rhythm!
