One of the most contentious issues in Indian cricket right now is Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future, particularly in light of the Chennai Super Kings’ elimination by Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the IPL 2024 group stages.
Although Dhoni hasn’t made any statements on his future, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently stated that the team has never enquired about Dhoni’s plans beyond the 2024 Indian Premier League.
The topic was not discussed in the changing room. He hasn’t spoken anything about his future, and neither have we questioned him. Viswanathan had stated that we would not intervene until he made a decision, which he would notify us of.
Dhoni now discusses why he takes his fitness so seriously in a new video that went viral on the internet on Monday.
Following knee surgery in May 2023, Dhoni participated in all 14 of CSK’s IPL games this season. With a strike percentage of 220.55, he scored 161 runs with 13 sixes. Dhoni’s ability to hit the ball hard and long has not diminished, according to CSK head coach Stephen Fleming and batting coach Mike Hussey. Both of them think that Dhoni’s fitness is perfect.
The hardest part is… I do not play cricket all year round. Thus, I must be in shape. You will be up against young, fit players of international cricket once I arrive. A professional athlete’s journey is not simple, and age is not an excuse. You have to be just as fit as the other person to play. You don’t really get that elegance as you get older. Thus, dietary patterns, some exercise, and all of those things are present. In a panel discussion, Dhoni remarks, “Thank goodness, I’m not on social media, so there’s less distraction. The Dubai Eye 103.8 YouTube channel posted a video footage of his speech from the stage on Monday.
My desire was to spend some additional time with my family once I retired from international cricket. But, it’s also important to maintain mental activity and attention. For example, I enjoy farming, riding motorcycles, and I’ve recently developed a fascination with classic vehicles. These items help me to relax. When I’m stressed, I might go to the garage and spend a few hours there. When I return, I’ll be OK, Dhoni continued. “Having a pet, whether a dog or a cat, has always made me feel like I grew up with… But I like dogs better. They adore you without conditions. As I mentioned in a previous interview, my dog always greets me the same manner after I return from a game that I lost.
Before the huge auction of the upcoming season, BCCI will decide on the players’ retention rule, which will determine Dhoni’s choice to retire or stay in the team.
Dhoni also discusses leadership traits in the video.
The most crucial point to remember when discussing leadership is that you have to gain the respect of the people you are in charge of. You are unable to demand or command respect. You must merit it. It’s possible that I hold a position in an organization, and that position does need respect. However, as the one occupying the chair, I must merit that regard. I can’t just tell you to respect me! People will give you ten to fifteen percent extra if they respect you.
