‘Representing My Country Was My Biggest Motivation’: MS Dhoni

‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni has asserted that age should not be a factor in the Indian Premier League (IPL), emphasizing that performance standards remain the same for all players. Dhoni, who was retained as an uncapped player by CSK under the tournament’s new rules, stated that intense preparation is required to remain competitive in the high-stakes league.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai on Friday, Dhoni acknowledged the physical challenges of preparing for IPL, given that he plays only for a couple of months each year. However, the former Indian captain reiterated his commitment to rigorous training to maintain his fitness and form.

“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,” said Dhoni. “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 cares about how old you are. If you’re playing at this level, the level needs to be the same.”

CSK’s ‘Thala’

Dhoni stepped down from CSK’s captaincy last year, handing over the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Under Gaikwad’s captaincy, CSK narrowly missed out on the IPL 2024 playoffs, finishing in fifth place. Despite relinquishing leadership duties, Dhoni remains a pivotal figure in the squad as they aim for their sixth IPL title.

Reflecting on his journey, Dhoni spoke about his motivation to play for India, especially coming from a state not traditionally known for cricket. “When I started playing international cricket, my biggest motivation was representing my country. It has always been about the country for me,” Dhoni remarked.

With IPL 2025 set to begin, Dhoni will once again be a key player for CSK. Fans can expect to see him in action when Chennai takes on the Mumbai Indians in their opening game at Chepauk on Sunday, March 23, in an evening encounter. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the veteran wicketkeeper-batter to see if he can continue delivering for his team in the world’s most competitive T20 league.

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