Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has praised veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni for maintaining his fitness to cplay in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). The five-time champions retained Dhoni for INR 4 crore as an uncapped player during the off-season as well. However, Dhoni, who will turn 44 in July, has not played competitive cricket since the 2024 IPL as well.

“I think his training is very much limited to whatever he tries to achieve. Or whatever his role would be in the IPL. So, it is pretty much very simple, focused on trying to hit as much as sixes as possible and trying to get the right swing, trying to be in the best shape,” Gaikwad said during the pre-match press conference (via ESPNcricinfo). “That is what I think initially he was trying to do. And then I never thought he was out of shape even on the first day. So, I think obviously he is special – he’s done it for so many years. If you see now even Sachin Tendulkar is batting as great as he is right even now at the age of 50 [51]. So, I think still many years to go.”

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Ruturaj Gaikwad also said that MS Dhoni is playing well in the net sessions even at this age, which he sees as inspirational too.

“I mean everyday we get to see him. Obviously, it inspires [us] a lot. A lot of new players have joined the team and sometimes they, as professional cricketers, struggle to strike the ball as good as he is striking it right now. So, definitely it inspires a lot of us including myself, including everyone from the group. So, whatever he is doing at the age of 43, I think it is remarkable. It is really commendable. And definitely, he will be looking to contribute in the best way he can. But I mean we have certain strengths that we have been following since last two years. So, I think nothing much really changes and hopefully he will continue to deliver those crucial knocks for us,” Ruturaj Gaikwad concluded.