"Exception To Rule, Rock Of Gibraltar": Navjot Sidhu's Out Of This World Praise For IPL Legend

Former India opening batter Navjot Singh Sidhu has likened Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni to the "Rock of Gibraltar". The 42-year-old will be taking part in his 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), starting March 22. Speaking on his longevity, Sidhu praised Dhoni for not 'losing out' despit lacking regular match practice. Dhoni led CSK to a record-equalling fifth title last season, despite battling with a knee problem throughout the tournament. Sidhu labelled Dhoni's feat nothing less than a "miracle".

"It really is a miracle what MS Dhoni has done. Once you are not in the swing of things, you tend to lose out. You look at Dhoni, how many years he has not been in the swing of things, and he comes as if nothing has happened. Therefore, this adds to his greatness and his mental fortitude," Sidhu told Star Sports.

Sidhu also praised Dhoni for his fitness levels, and labelled him as an 'exception to the rule'.

"He is very strong mentally, and more so, he looks supremely fit at 42. He is an expert coming in where 3-4 overs remain. So, if you are fit, and if you are prepared to play the game, the helicopter shot and all those things, I feel that it is a miracle that someone like MS Dhoni still stands like a Rock of Gibraltar where others have fallen like nine pins," he said.

"Great players have fallen, and here is someone who is an exception. An exception is always there. This man, MS Dhoni, is an exception to the rule. He is a superstar, a man with paranormal abilities, which normally you don't see," the cricketer-turned-politician added.

The MS Dhoni-led CSK will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match of IPL 2024.

CSK IPL 2024 Squad

MS Dhoni (c), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon