At the age of 37, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is still going strong. He is gearing up for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, which could be his last major tournament in Indian colors. Having already captained India to World Cup glory in 2011, Dhoni would be willing to end his ODI career on a high note by winning the coveted trophy again.
However, fitness issues have been troubling Dhoni, which is not unusual for a player of his age. At 37, he is still at the peak, but a back injury has constantly pulled him back. Recently, MSD missed an IPL game for Chennai Super Kings for the first time since 2010 due to back spasms.
#WorldCup2019 |
Former India all-rounder Kapil Dev believes twin World Cup-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the biggest contributor to the gentlemans game.https://t.co/ILj3QfDwDr— mid-day (@mid_day) April 24, 2019
Having battled a dodgy back injury for a long time now, Dhoni is keen to take a careful approach towards his game keeping an eye on the World Cup. Speaking on about the issue, he said, “The back is holding up; it’s not getting worse. With the World Cup coming up, can’t afford that, because that’s too important.”
Despite the niggling pain, Dhoni has led his side to the top of the IPL table, maintaining his usual high standards in batting and wicketkeeping. Speaking after Chennai’s win over Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets, the former Indian skipper said he would not be willing to take any risks regarding the World Cup.
#CSK, sitting pretty at the top with 16 points from 11 games, will next lock horns with #MumbaiIndians on Friday https://t.co/Y0nP9Sebhu
— EconomicTimes (@EconomicTimes) April 24, 2019
“If it becomes worse, I certainly take some time off but at this level, you play with some niggle or the other. Because if you wait to get fully fit, then there will be a gap of five years between two matches,” said Dhoni cheekily.
India will start their World Cup campaign against South Africa on 5th June at the Rose Bowl, and will then clash with defending champions Australia on 9th, at the oval. Before that IPL action resumes for Dhoni’s CSK as they host arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on Friday.
