Harbhajan Singh Amazed by MS Dhoni’s Fitness at 43: “Still Dominating IPL Bowlers”
MS Dhoni’s intense IPL training and unmatched fitness at 43 leave Harbhajan Singh stunned. Learn how the CSK legend maintains top form ahead of the 2025 IPL season.
Mumbai, March 18:
Even at the age of 43, MS Dhoni still goes against the clock and expectations, with his rigorous IPL preparation and ultimate fitness leaving fans and fellow cricketers awestruck. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh recently spoke about meeting the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend and being left amazed by Dhoni’s dedication and physique before the 2025 IPL season.
Harbhajan, who ran into Dhoni at a friend‘s daughter‘s wedding, shared his open-ended conversation with the CSK captain.
“He was very fit, sturdy. I asked him, ‘What are you doing at this age? Isn’t it challenging?’ He replied, ‘Yes, it is challenging, but this is the only thing I love to do. I enjoy it. As long as there is hunger, you can do it,’“ Harbhajan said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
Dedication Beyond Compare
What distinguished Dhoni, in Harbhajan’s opinion, is not merely survival within the intense climate of the IPL but dominating as well.
“Is showing how it‘s done. He must be doing something better than us. He is not just surviving; he‘s still dominating all the bowlers,” Harbhajan added. Throwing some light on Dhoni’s intense practice sessions, Harbhajan talked about how ‘Thala‘ spends 2-3 hours every day practicing batting in the nets at CSK camp in Chennai.
“First one to reach the ground and the last one to return—even at the age of 43. That‘s the difference,” he mentioned.
Clarity & Honesty: Dhoni‘s Hallmark
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra also praised Dhoni’s self-awareness and clarity regarding his role in the batting order. Often sending himself to bat at No. 7 or 8, Dhoni, according to Chopra, understands his limitations and strengths perfectly.
“He knows he can’t bat for 40 balls, so he plays where he can make the most impact. That clarity is rare,” Chopra emphasized.
Chopra further hailed Dhoni’s unmatched wicketkeeping skills:
“I’ve not seen anyone with quicker hands than MS Dhoni. If the ball reaches him, you’re out 9.5 times out of 10. His reflexes are lightning fast,” he concluded.
As the 2025 IPL season draws near, Dhoni’s dedication continues to set benchmarks not just for younger players but for athletes everywhere, proving age is just a number when discipline and passion are at play.
