MS Dhoni, the legendary former Indian captain, isn’t ready to walk away from cricket just yet. At 43, the man who led India to World Cup glory in 2011 (ODI) and 2007 (T20), along with a Champions Trophy win in 2013, still finds joy in the game. And now, he wants to enjoy his remaining cricketing years with the same childlike enthusiasm he had when he first picked up a bat.

Even though Dhoni played his last international match in June 2019 and officially announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020, his journey isn’t over. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon remains a vital part of the IPL, with the franchise retaining him for another season.

Playing for Pure Joy

Speaking at an event on Wednesday, Dhoni revealed his mindset for the next chapter of his career.

“I’ve been retired from international cricket since 2019, but I still want to enjoy playing, however many years I have left. I want to play like I did as a child—just for the love of the game,” he said.

Reminiscing about his early days, he recalled the simple joys of playing in the colony as a kid. “Back then, 4 PM was sports time—mostly cricket, sometimes football if the weather didn’t allow cricket. I want to bring back that innocence in my game,” he added.

MS Dhoni: “Country First, Always”

Dhoni also reflected on his years in the Indian jersey, emphasizing how representing the nation was always his top priority.

“For me, it was always about playing for India. Not everyone gets that chance, and I never took it for granted. Whenever we stepped onto the field, it was about bringing pride to the country,” he said.

A Message for Young Cricketers

Offering advice to the next generation, Dhoni stressed the importance of focus and discipline.

“You need to figure out what works for you. When I was playing, cricket was my entire world. Sleep, diet, fitness—everything revolved around the game. Friendships, fun, and everything else had to wait. There’s a right time for everything, and recognizing that is crucial,” he said.

Though his international career is behind him, MS Dhoni’s passion remains unchanged. Whether he plays one more IPL season or several, one thing is clear—he’s going to enjoy every moment, just like a kid playing in the backyard.

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