Being away from the game for 10 months before returning for the two-month-long Indian Premier League is no easy feat. Yet, legendary India captain MS Dhoni continues to defy expectations, displaying his remarkable hitting skills ahead of IPL 2025. In a viral video, Dhoni is seen executing his signature helicopter shot against Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, one of the top white-ball bowlers in the world. Standing at the non-striker’s end, Ravichandran Ashwin couldn’t help but smile as Dhoni found his rhythm again.
Dhoni’s Helicopter Shot Stuns Ahead of IPL 2025
Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, MS Dhoni continues to extend his IPL career. Even five years after stepping away from national duty, the ‘Thala’ remains a force in the T20 league. Whether it’s his fitness or his ability to take on top international bowlers, Dhoni’s skills have hardly diminished over the years.
In a video from CSK’s intra-squad practice match, Pathirana attempted a yorker, but Dhoni, ever the seasoned campaigner, knew exactly how to handle it. Watching him effortlessly execute his signature shot, R Ashwin couldn’t help but flash a big smile.
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MS Dhoni has been putting in intense preparation for the 18th IPL season, spending 2-3 hours batting daily, according to former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh. The ‘Turbanator’ also shared that Dhoni has been focusing heavily on his fitness ahead of the new season.
“I recently met him at a friend’s daughter’s wedding, and he looked incredibly fit and solid. Asked him, ‘Isn’t it tough at this age?’ He admitted it was challenging but said, ‘This is the only thing I love doing. I enjoy it and want to keep playing.’ As long as the hunger remains, he can keep going. Without playing all year, it’s tough, but he’s proving how it’s done. He’s not just surviving; he’s dominating bowlers,” Harbhajan told ESPNcricinfo.
He further added, “For one to two months, he has been practicing rigorously. The more balls you face, the better your timing, rhythm, and power-hitting become. He bats for 2-3 hours daily in Chennai, always arriving first at the ground and leaving last, even at this stage of his career. That’s what sets him apart.”
CSK will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 23.