IPL: Age is just a number for timeless MS Dhoni

Dubai: At 43, MS Dhoni isn’t just defying age — he’s defying time itself. One flash of brilliance behind the stumps against Mumbai Indians, and fans were transported back to his prime. The stumping was so quick, so precise, that even younger wicketkeepers could only admire. But how does Dhoni, who plays just one tournament a year, stay this sharp? The answer lies in his disciplined approach, a rigorous routine, and a mindset that refuses to slow down.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings teammate, jokingly referred to him as a “young wicketkeeper” before the match. Later, during the presentation ceremony, he clarified his statement.

“Dhoni is still the same. He’s fitter this year and hitting more sixes in the nets this year,” Gaikwad told the official broadcasters.

Ramji Srinivasan, the Indian team’s trainer during their 2011 World Cup triumph, believes Dhoni’s longevity is no accident.

“Dhoni knows exactly what to do. He understands his body and adapts accordingly. He won’t get carried away by any gizmos and paraphernalia that’s available,” he explained. “He sticks to the basics required for his skill, which is important. Since he doesn’t play international cricket, he has sufficient time to recover — an extremely critical component.”

Dhoni himself once revealed his off-season routine during an event hosted by Etihad in Chennai last year. He starts his training and preparation for the IPL around Christmas — when he’s in Dubai.

Dhoni’s performance against Mumbai Indians in the IPL’s ‘El Clasico’ drew praise from former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who marvelled at his fitness and reflexes. Sidhu even made a bold prediction — that Dhoni could still score a half-century for CSK at 50.

“At 43 years old, he is still the best. He’s getting better with time. Just look at his fitness. A wicketkeeper’s survival depends on it, and Dhoni’s technique, combined with his effortless execution, is remarkable. The respect he has earned over the years is simply astounding,” Sidhu said on JioCinema. “He has nothing left to prove, yet people don’t want him to leave the game. And I’d bet my life on one thing — he might just be the only cricketer who could still score a half-century for Chennai Super Kings at 50!”

With each passing IPL season, fans wonder if this could be Dhoni’s last. Yet, time and again, he finds ways to remind them why he’s still here. His fitness, sharpness, and leadership continue to defy expectations. And if Sidhu’s words hold any truth, Thala at 50 might not just be a fantasy — it could be another chapter in the Dhoni legend.