Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has compared MS Dhoni to the “Benjamin Button of cricket” as the team prepares to take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 opener on Sunday, March 23. The former New Zealand skipper believes that despite his age, Dhoni still possesses the match-winning ability that has defined his career.
The reference to Benjamin Button comes from the Hollywood film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, starring Brad Pitt, where the protagonist is born old and ages in reverse. At 43, Dhoni is the oldest player in IPL 2025 and has recently faced fitness challenges. However, he is set to feature throughout the season.
In a video shared by CSK on social media, Stephen Fleming noted that MS Dhoni appears fitter than he did in IPL 2024. He emphasized the importance of managing Dhoni’s workload wisely, given his game-changing potential. The 51-year-old coach stated (via CSK’s X handle):
“Benjamin Button of cricket! He is getting younger. And He is done everything well. He is probably fitter than last year, just given his comeback from a knee surgery.”
”Yeah he is 43, which we have to respect but there’s ways in which we can use him which we think is very beneficial to us winning games. There’s no doubt he has still got the talent and he’s got the drive which are two of the main things.” (2:28)
The Gaffer's Game Plan for the Summer! 📝⚔️🥳 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/MvsN9RfTCn
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2025
The wicketkeeper-batter has cemented his place in IPL history by leading the Super Kings to five championship victories, including consecutive titles in 2010 and 2011. Additionally, with 264 matches to his name, he holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament’s history.
“I never felt he was out of shape, even from day one”- Ruturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad hinted that Dhoni’s training and fitness routine are primarily focused on maximizing his six-hitting ability this season. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, he stated:
“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 as sixes as possible and trying to get the right swing, trying to be in the best shape.”
“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 obviously he is special – he’s done it for so many years.”
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