MS Dhoni concerned about declining youth fitness: Lots of people don't play sport

India Today

22-07-2025

At 44, MS Dhoni continues to impress - not just with his legacy, but with his enduring fitness. Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, the former India captain has remained a key figure in the IPL. His sharp reflexes and lightning-fast stumpings - often under two seconds - are a testament to his unwavering focus on physical health.While Dhoni leads by example with his own disciplined routine, he recently voiced a broader concern: the declining fitness levels amongst Indians, especially children. Speaking at an event in Ranchi, he shared that even with his own daughter, they make a conscious effort to incorporate activities that encourage physical movement.advertisement"Nowadays that age is coming down, in the sense the amount of physical activity is coming down. So, the average fitness level of us as Indians, that has gone down. Even my daughter, I feel she doesn't do a lot of physical activity. She is not into sport so we have to plan things where you (are) physically active. That's how it has been. A lot of people don't play sport," said Dhoni while attending an event in Ranchi. Ms Dhoni speaking about fitness of Indians at event in Ranchi Last night. pic.twitter.com/FZThpQNuVs— (@rushiii_12) July 21, 2025MS Dhoni bringing India laurels
Dhoni began his international career in 2004 and took over as captain in 2007. Throughout his playing years, he was known not just for his calm leadership, but also for his exceptional fitness - from sprinting between the wickets to his agile wicketkeeping behind the stumps.He remains the only captain to have won all three major ICC white-ball trophies: the T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. Dhoni's disciplined approach to fitness and his sharp game sense were instrumental in his success on the field.Even after retiring from international cricket, his commitment to staying fit - and his hunger to perform - remain undiminished. This was clearly on display during the 2025 IPL.Currently, the oldest player in the league, Dhoni may no longer dominate as he once did in his prime, but he continues to excel in his role as a finisher. In a match against LSG, he smashed 26 runs off just 11 balls, building a crucial partnership with Shivam Dube to lead CSK to victory. His match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award, making him the oldest player ever to receive the honour.Performances like these continue to inspire the next generation, proving that age is just a number when paired with discipline and determination.- EndsMust Watch