IPL 2025: Blow for CSK? MS Dhoni drops stunning "I'm not as fit" statement

Chennai Super Kings keeper-batter MS Dhoni provided a massive update about his fitness ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He said that he is not as fit as he used to be and he is doing specific things to be fit for cricket.

The time to see MS Dhoni in action is getting less as each day passes by. The former India National Cricket Team skipper will be playing for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after he recently confirmed his availability for the next season.

MS Dhoni was retained as an uncapped player by Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni was retained as an uncapped player by Chennai Super Kings and will be getting INR 4 crore fees per season. All the attention will be on him as since the last two seasons, he has been struggling with his fitness and also underwent treatment for a knee injury after the 2023 season.

But the struggles were visible even in the IPL 2024 as well and it was because of this that he batted down the order. In the last season, he played all the games as he averaged 54 at a strike rate of 220.54 in 14 outings. With him set to play another season, the focus will be on his fitness.

I am not as fit as I used to be - MS Dhoni

While talking about his fitness, MS Dhoni admitted that he isn't as fit as he used to be. He stressed that he has been playing different sports to keep himself fit for cricket. Speaking about his fitness on the Eurogrip Tyres YouTube channel, he explained:

"I am not as fit as I used to be, a lot of effort now needs to be made on what you are eating, and I am doing very specific things to be fit for cricket. We are not fast bowlers so our requirements are not that intense."

"What helps me is playing a lot of sports in between eating and going to the gym. So whenever I get time, I like to play a lot of different sports, maybe tennis, badminton, or football, that keep me engaged. That’s the best way of being in touch with fitness."

For me controllable in cricket is I have to practice well - MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni further talked about cricket, saying that the best way to play the sport for the batter is to react to whatever is bowled at them.

"You first need to differentiate what is controllable. If you start complicating stuff, then it becomes very difficult to understand that. Like in cricket, people talk about what cricket is, and then you come up with different explanations. One of the best ways to play cricket for a batsman is you watch the ball and react to whatever is bowled at you,"

"For me, controllable in cricket is I have to practice well, I have to eat well, I have to be fit, how much sleep I had before the game, how much hydration I had, how much I had tried to get information about the opposition."

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