Mumbai: Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan offered insights into MS Dhoni’s nuanced perspective on cricket and life, highlighting the ex-captain’s ability to maintain a balanced outlook amidst the fervor of the sport.
At 42, Dhoni, renowned for his strategic prowess and calm demeanor, is poised to lead Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season, a testament to his enduring passion for the game despite stepping down from international cricket four years ago.
“MS Dhoni understood a long time ago that he is passionate about cricket and it is an integral part of his life. But it couldn’t be everything,” Zaheer remarked in an episode dedicated to Dhoni on JioCinema.
Beyond Dhoni’s illustrious career, which includes two World Cup victories and leading CSK to five IPL titles, Zaheer emphasized the importance of striking a balance between cricket and other pursuits.
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“When you’re playing, switching off (from the game) is very important. Cricket is not everything. Every cricketer has to face this eventually,” Zaheer added.
Dhoni’s multifaceted interests, including his love for motorcycles, underscore his holistic approach to life beyond cricket, according to Zaheer.
Meanwhile, Suresh Raina, another former India and CSK player, expressed his desire for Dhoni to continue playing in the IPL for several more years. Raina also pondered over the crucial decision of selecting Dhoni’s successor as captain for CSK, indicating a potential transition in leadership.
“The biggest question is who’ll be their next captain? Even if Dhoni stepped away as captain, he’ll be in the dugout whether it’s as a mental toughness coach or just for his presence,” Raina remarked.
With the IPL season commencing soon, all eyes are on Dhoni and CSK as they prepare to face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener.
