'Dhoni Stands Like a Rock of Gibraltar, Supremely Fit at 42': Navjot Singh Sidhu Hails CSK's 'Miracle Man'

At the age of 42, Mahendra Singh Dhoni will embark on yet another season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), starting Friday. His team Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the reigning champions, will square off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chidambaram Stadium later this week and no surprise that a huge number of fans will turn up to witness the legendary wicketkeeper-batter taking the field.

Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings to five titles and will start the defence of their title as the tournament begins. The fact that he plays only the IPL despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, the discussion around his future has again taken centre stage.

Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is set to return as a commentator after a decade, feels that the reason behind Dhoni’s success at the age of 42 is his strong mentality which fosters his ability to switch on and switch off from cricket so he can get into the groove quickly.

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Speaking about the secret behind Dhoni’s success, the former India cricketer described him as an ‘exception to the rule’ and a ‘man with paranormal abilities’.

“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 was quoted as saying by the broadcasters.

Sindhu said Dhoni has a very strong mentally and is thus capable of standing like a Rock of Gibraltar for CSK in the last 3-4 overs of a match.

“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.

“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,” he added.