"Age is just a number when it comes to..." - MS Dhoni's critics slammed by legendary cricketer

Former Team India captain Sunil Gavaskar slammed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni's critics during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The cricketer-turned-commentator urged people to stop questioning the veteran cricketer's ability, adding that age is just a number for him.

MS Dhoni has been a key figure for the Super Kings across 16 IPL seasons. His arrival at the crease always increases the decibel levels tenfold. He is among the few cricketers to have played in every IPL season. He is set to play his 16th season for CSK, except for two seasons with Rising Pune Supergiant.

Every Time People Question MS Dhoni - Sunil Gavaskar

MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL has been a topic of discussion before each season since his retirement from international cricket in 2020. Gavaskar dismissed doubts about Dhoni’s longevity. Gavaskar emphasized that Dhoni continues to silence critics with his performances.

“Why should we even ask that question? Why put pressure on him? Every time people question MS Dhoni, he proves them wrong," Gavaskar said on JioHotster.

“Don’t doubt his ability. Even at this age, he’s hitting sixes not just past the boundary but into the stands during practice. Age is just a number when it comes to Dhoni," he added.

MS Dhoni Set to Play as a Specialist Wicketkeeper-Batter

Ahead of IPL 2024, MS Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the role to Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, he continued to contribute as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter and a finisher.

Dhoni, batting lower in the order in IPL 2024, scored 161 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 220.55, smashing 13 sixes and 14 fours. Notably, he remained unbeaten in his first seven innings of the campaign. Dhoni is set to play a similar role in IPL 2025.

The five-time IPL champion was retained by CSK for Rs 4 crore as an uncapped player. He has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2024 but has impressed with his fitness and batting form in training, as seen in social media snippets.

These Two Sides Have So Much History Together - Matthew Hayden

Chennai Super Kings will commence their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-profile clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, March 23. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.

Speaking on the same show, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden called the match between CSK and MI a great fixture. Hayden said that Chepauk gives CSK an advantage, as their spinners are likely to dominate. He added that Chennai’s spin unit is one of the best in the tournament.

“It’s such a great fixture. These two sides have so much history together. And at Chepauk, CSK has controlled the game, just like Mumbai does at Wankhede," Hayden said.

"A win there would be significant, and CSK’s spin unit—one of the best in the competition—will play a crucial role. They’ve got their old friend back, Ravichandran Ashwin, which is great to see. He could be key on a wicket that I expect to offer turn. It’s only fitting that the season opener at Chepauk features Mumbai Indians," he added.

Also read: "They'll drag me.."- MS Dhoni breaks silence on his IPL future ahead of 'El Clasico' clash