Harbhajan Singh Inquires About MS Dhoni’s IPL Preparations at 43; Impressed by His Exceptional Fitness | Cricket News

**Harbhajan Singh Inquires About MS Dhoni’s IPL Preparation at 43, Amazed by His Physical Condition**

**By the NDTV Sports Desk**
*Updated: March 18, 2025, 10:22 AM IST*
*Reading Time: 3 minutes*

In the annals of modern cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) presents a unique opportunity for fans to witness the continuing legacy of MS Dhoni. As the Chennai Super Kings icon enters the IPL 2025 season, he showcases a commendable level of fitness, thanks to a stringent training regimen. At 43, maintaining such a fitness benchmark is indeed challenging when IPL remains his sole professional cricket engagement.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh recently caught up with Dhoni at a social gathering and was left in awe of his fitness. Intrigued, Harbhajan questioned the veteran wicketkeeper’s relentless preparation and the dedication required to maintain his prowess on the field.

“I recently met him at a friend’s daughter’s wedding and was taken aback by how fit he appeared. I quizzed him, ‘Isn’t it challenging at your age?’ His response was enlightening—’It’s tough, but this is my passion. It brings me joy. With the drive still intact, anything is possible.’ Despite not playing cricket all year round, he remains a formidable force. It’s not survival for him; it’s domination,” Harbhajan recounted to ESPNcricinfo.

Sharing insights into Dhoni’s practice ahead of the IPL, Harbhajan noted that ‘Thala’ has been engaging in 2-3 hour net sessions each day in Chennai since joining the team’s camp. “His one to two months of dedicated practice is crucial. The more balls he faces, the more he refines his timing and power. He is consistently the first to arrive and last to leave the ground, a testament to his enduring commitment.”

Aakash Chopra, another former Indian cricketer, also commented on Dhoni’s tactical approach in the T20 format. Despite suggestions for Dhoni to bat higher in the order, he elects to enter at No. 7 or No. 8. Chopra explained the strategic reasoning behind this decision.

“He possesses an extraordinary self-awareness. People often suggest he bat higher, but Dhoni understands his current capacity: he can’t sustain a long innings with 40 balls. He knows his abilities and limitations and acts accordingly,” Chopra articulated.

Chopra further praised Dhoni’s wicketkeeping prowess, emphasizing his lightning-fast reflexes, stating, “I’ve not witnessed anyone as quick with his hands as MS Dhoni. If the ball approaches, the batsman is likely gone 9.5 times out of 10.”

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