MS Dhoni’s Midnight Practice Stuns CSK Star Ahead of IPL 2025 Clash

Chennai, India — Legendary cricketer MS Dhoni drew attention this week as he practiced late into the night ahead of the Chennai Super Kings‘ (CSK) highly anticipated match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Despite being 43 years old, Dhoni continues to impress with his dedication to the sport. England all-rounder Sam Curran shared his experience of practicing with Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja at around 11:30 p.m., highlighting the unique atmosphere of CSK’s dressing room. “The other night I was batting with MS and Jadeja, and I was thinking, where in the world would you do this? The lights were on, and we were just smacking balls everywhere,” Curran said during an appearance on the Sky Cricket Podcast.

Curran expressed admiration for Dhoni’s presence, noting that newer players often sit in silence, watching Dhoni’s every move. “He is just the aura of the guy. He is so easy to chat with,” Curran added. He described Dhoni as a calming influence, even in high-pressure situations, emphasizing that Dhoni rarely shows panic or emotion.

Dhoni, who leads CSK—having won five IPL titles—as they prepare for their opening match on March 23, has been retained as an uncapped player for the 2025 season. This retention came at a mere price of Rs 4 crore, allowing the team to benefit from his vast experience.

In the build-up to the season, Curran noted how Dhoni maintains an open-door policy in the hotel, inviting teammates for casual FIFA games and conversations about cricket, though he tends to avoid outdoor activities due to the attention he draws.

MI will face an uphill battle as they begin their season without key players Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the challenge, stating that filling the shoes of prominent players is never easy. “Replacing Hardik with someone is a difficult task, but there are boys who can take up the responsibility and are keen to take the field,” Yadav said.

While CSK aims to secure their sixth title, they kick off the IPL 2025 season against a MI team that is already facing a selection dilemma due to injuries and suspensions. Yadav is tasked with leading a team that could see debut performances from several players, including Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks.

As the match approaches, Dhoni’s seasoned leadership will play a pivotal role. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed confidence in Dhoni’s ability to contribute effectively, stating, “He will be looking to contribute in the best way he can. Hopefully, he will continue to deliver those crucial knocks that the team relies on.”

The significance of this matchup—often dubbed IPL’s ‘El Clasico’—will test both teams as they navigate roster challenges and leverage their unique strengths. The cricketing world is eager to see how the seasoned players will perform under pressure.