Former India batter compares MS Dhoni’s fitness to Roger Federer’s in IPL 2024 opener

After MS Dhoni displayed his sharp wicketkeeping skills in Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2024 opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, former India batter Robin Uthappa praised Dhoni’s fitness level on Friday. Uthappa compared Dhoni’s intense pre-season fitness regime to that of Roger Federer, noting that his former captain has clearly put in diligent off-season work to prepare for the new IPL campaign.

The star wicketkeeper showed no signs of slowing down in the IPL opener. Dhoni, who recently stepped down from captaincy, executed a spectacular run-out and took two catches. Dhoni displayed his quick reflexes by preventing boundaries behind the wickets, including swiftly diving to the right to stop an inside edge off Faf du Plessis’s bat.

On the final ball of RCB’s innings, Dhoni ran out Anuj Rawat with an underarm throw that hit the stumps. Rawat’s batting partner Dinesh Karthik attempted a quick single, unaware that Dhoni’s throw was already on its way. The crowd at MA Chidambaram Stadium erupted in delight as the wicketkeeper’s sharp work evoked nostalgia of his glory days behind the stumps.

Robin Uthappa told JioCinema on Friday that Dhoni’s knee looks brand new at the moment, indicating he has done the rehab work behind the scenes. “The fact that he is moving around well just demonstrates his strong work ethic and dedication, similar to Roger Federer’s. Nobody knows how hard Dhoni works, but he turns up ready, just like Federer.”

“At the moment, he looks extremely healthy and fit. He is striking well, based on his appearance. As I stated previously, CSK will play Dhoni regardless of his physical condition. However, he seems to have begun this season in strong form. Dhoni will likely be pleased with his early performances. To stay fit, he has been playing tennis and paddle tennis.” Uthappa continued.

While Dhoni impressed with his wicketkeeping in the IPL 2024 opener, pacer Mustafizur Rahman shone brighter with the ball for Chennai Super Kings. The Bangladeshi star picked up 4 wickets for just 29 runs, his best IPL figures to date.