MS Dhoni To Play In IPL Till Age Of 50? Ruturaj Gaikwad Says Why Not

In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, MS Dhoni only batted in the death overs but still smoked 161 runs at an average of 53.66 and a stunning strike rate of 220.54. The wicketkeeper-batter hit 14 fours and 13 maximums, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said the 43-year-old is likely to play a similar role in the IPL 2025.

"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,” said Gaikwad ahead of CSK’s first game of the IPL 2025 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Chepauk on March 23 (Sunday).

"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. So, definitely that always will be there. 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."

Adding more, Gaikwad said: "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."

CSK’s biggest strength is once again going to be their spinners, with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Noor Ahmed in the set-up. "When you have someone like Ashwin and Jadeja and we have Noor. I think we always wanted someone in our bowling department who can be an aggressive bowler, who can come in and take wickets at regular intervals. And there were very few in the auction pool. So, we wanted to get the best whoever is available, and I think Noor is right up there. 

“So, hopefully if conditions suit us, definitely he will be a great threat for opposition."