‘Isn’t it tough?’ – Former India player reveals how MS Dhoni keeps himself fit at the age of 43

Former India star player Harbhajan Singh recently revealed an interesting chat he had with former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the 18th season for Dhoni. The two former India teammates met in a wedding recently where Harbhajan asked Dhoni how he keeps himself hit and motivated. 

During his chat with ESPN CRICINFO, Harbhajan Singh recounted, “I just met him recently at one of our friend's daughter's weddings. He looked very fit, solid. I asked him, 'What you are doing at this age, isn't it tough?' He said, 'Yes, it's difficult, but this is the only thing I like doing. I find joy in it. I want to do it, go out and play.'"

The former Indian spinner also said, “As long as the hunger is there, you will be able to do it. It's hard without playing any cricket throughout the year. He is showing how it's done. He must be doing something better than the others. He is not just surviving; he is dominating all the bowlers.”

‘First to arrive and last to leave the ground’ – Harbhajan Singh on MS Dhoni 

During his chat with ESPN CRICINFO, Harbhajan also said, “The practice he is doing for one-two months - the more balls you play, you get that timing, flow and sixes going. He bats 2-3 hours every day in Chennai. He is the first one to come to the ground and the last one to leave, even at this age. That's the difference.”

MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings kick off their Indian Premier League campaign on Sunday. The five time winners will take on Mumbai Indians in a blockbuster season opening clash for both sides at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ruturaj Gaikwad and his side had failed to reach the playoffs last season. Mumbai, on the other hand had finished bottom of the table. 

Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra praised Dhoni and was quoted by India Today as saying, “He is very honest with himself. It matters a lot. Why? We all keep saying he should bat higher up the order. But, in his head, he was convinced that I can't bat for 40 balls. If there are 12 overs left and I come into bat, I can't do it. You may think I would be able to hit, but the fact of the matter is I know I wouldn't be able to. He is very clear about what he can do and what he can't. That's clarity.”