"As Much Sixes...": Ruturaj Gaikwad Reveals MS Dhoni's Strategy Ahead Of CSK vs MI Game

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad defined the role of franchise icon MS Dhoni and his future in the league ahead of their campaign opener against arch-rival Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday. Dhoni, still going strong at 43, holds an integral spot in the hierarchy of the five-time champions. He has continued to perform the role of finisher for Chennai, but over the years, his capacity has significantly reduced. The veteran wicketkeeper comes out to bat for a couple of overs, flaunts his explosive power-hitting prowess, tries to hit every delivery out of the ground and returns to the dugout.

"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 sixes as possible and trying to get the right swing, trying to be in the best shape," Gaikwad said on the eve of the clash against MI as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"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 he is special, obviously, because 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," he added.

Recently, Dhoni took a trip down memory lane and recalled his cricketing journey, which began in 2005. He went on to reveal how he sees himself playing for a couple of more years.

"I want to enjoy it how I did as a child when I was in school. When I lived in a colony, 4 o'clock (in the afternoon) was sports time, so we'll go and play cricket more often than