Mahendra Singh Dhoni has always been known for his quick running between the wickets, his lightning bolt speed behind the stumps, and an icy cool head. Post his retirement from international cricket last year, Dhoni's fans have been eagerly watching him in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at times getting a peek at his twilight years.
Others might think otherwise but CSK's captain is aware that given his age it is hard to "keep up" with younger players from the IPL squad. The 39-year-old, however, knows that he has to be match ready till the time he is playing the game at the big stage as he admitted that "getting old and being fit are two difficult things".
IPL 2021, RR vs CSK: Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali Spin Chennai To 45-Run Win Over Rajasthan
"When you are playing, you don't really want anyone to say he's unfit. I have to keep up with the younger guys, they are very fast, it's good to challenge them," Dhoni after Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 45 runs in their IPL match.
"Performances are something that's guaranteed. I wasn't guaranteeing performances when I was 24. I can't guarantee when I am 40, but at least if people can't point finger at me that he's unfit then that will be a big positive for me," Dhoni said after the match.
"The way we (CSK) have prepared. The bowlers have been under the pump last year also, so they're used to the conditions," Dhoni said after being compared this year's performance with last year as CSK finished seventh out of eight teams.