Following the heartbreaking defeat to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fans have been left guessing on whether Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni played his final cricket game.
The veteran keeper was dismissed by Yash Dayal in the final over of a thrilling encounter following a 110-meter six on the first ball. CSK eventually fell short of the qualifying target by 10 runs and crashed out of the IPL on net-run rate.
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The 42-year-old is yet to talk about his speculated retirement but fans must be hoping to see him on the pitch once again. Talking on a YouTube channel, Dubai Eye 103.8, Dhoni stated that it was quite a difficult job to stay in shape for the two month long tournament.
"The toughest thing is... I am not playing cricket throughout the year. So I have to be fit. Once I come, you are competing against youngsters who are fit and playing international cricket. Professional sport is not easy, nobody gives you a discount for age. If you want to play, you have to be as fit as the other guy. Age does not really give that grace to you. So, eating habits, a bit of training and all those things are there. Social media, thankfully, I am not on social media, so there's less distraction," he said.
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How does MS Dhoni relax?
Dhoni retired from international cricket following the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and has been featuring only in the IPL since then. When asked about what he does in his leisure time, Dhoni revealed his passion for cars, bikes and farming.
"Once I quit international cricket, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my family," he said.
"But, at that same time, to be mentally active, to have that passion to stay focussed -- for me, I love farming, for me it is the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars. These things de-stress me. If am stressed, I would maybe go to the garage, spend a couple of hours over there and I will just be fine, I would come back.
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"I have always felt growing up with a pet, whether it is a cat or a dog... I prefer dogs though. They have unconditional love towards you. I have said this in a previous interview, even if I lose a game and come back, my dog greets me the same way."
