logo
MS Dhoni concerned about declining youth fitness: Lots of people don't play sport

MS Dhoni concerned about declining youth fitness: Lots of people don't play sport

India Today22-07-2025
At 44, MS Dhoni continues to impress - not just with his legacy, but with his enduring fitness. Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, the former India captain has remained a key figure in the IPL. His sharp reflexes and lightning-fast stumpings - often under two seconds - are a testament to his unwavering focus on physical health.While Dhoni leads by example with his own disciplined routine, he recently voiced a broader concern: the declining fitness levels amongst Indians, especially children. Speaking at an event in Ranchi, he shared that even with his own daughter, they make a conscious effort to incorporate activities that encourage physical movement.advertisement"Nowadays that age is coming down, in the sense the amount of physical activity is coming down. So, the average fitness level of us as Indians, that has gone down. Even my daughter, I feel she doesn't do a lot of physical activity. She is not into sport so we have to plan things where you (are) physically active. That's how it has been. A lot of people don't play sport," said Dhoni while attending an event in Ranchi. Ms Dhoni speaking about fitness of Indians at event in Ranchi Last night. pic.twitter.com/FZThpQNuVs— (@rushiii_12) July 21, 2025MS Dhoni bringing India laurels
Dhoni began his international career in 2004 and took over as captain in 2007. Throughout his playing years, he was known not just for his calm leadership, but also for his exceptional fitness - from sprinting between the wickets to his agile wicketkeeping behind the stumps.He remains the only captain to have won all three major ICC white-ball trophies: the T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. Dhoni's disciplined approach to fitness and his sharp game sense were instrumental in his success on the field.Even after retiring from international cricket, his commitment to staying fit - and his hunger to perform - remain undiminished. This was clearly on display during the 2025 IPL.Currently, the oldest player in the league, Dhoni may no longer dominate as he once did in his prime, but he continues to excel in his role as a finisher. In a match against LSG, he smashed 26 runs off just 11 balls, building a crucial partnership with Shivam Dube to lead CSK to victory. His match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award, making him the oldest player ever to receive the honour.Performances like these continue to inspire the next generation, proving that age is just a number when paired with discipline and determination.- EndsMust Watch
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Australia Announce Strong White-Ball Squads For South Africa Tour; Travis Head Returns, Mitch Owen Added In Both Formats
Australia Announce Strong White-Ball Squads For South Africa Tour; Travis Head Returns, Mitch Owen Added In Both Formats

India.com

time11 minutes ago

  • India.com

Australia Announce Strong White-Ball Squads For South Africa Tour; Travis Head Returns, Mitch Owen Added In Both Formats

SA vs AUS: Australia have named their white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa, and rising allrounder Mitch Owen has been rewarded for his blistering form with maiden selections in both the T20I and ODI squads. The 23-year-old, who made headlines with his performances in BBL 14 and the Caribbean T20s, is the only uncapped player across both 14-member squads. Mitch Owen Breaks Through Owen's rise has been nothing short of impressive. His dynamic performances in the Big Bash League were followed by a sensational T20 debut in the Caribbean, where he struck at a remarkable 192.30 strike rate. His inclusion reflects Australia's focus on grooming fresh talent in the lead-up to major ICC events. ODI Leadership Handed to Marsh With Pat Cummins rested for the ODI leg, Mitchell Marsh will take over the captaincy duties for both formats. Marsh continues to be central to Australia's white-ball plans, with selectors banking on his leadership ahead of a crucial period. Key Returns Australia's squads have been bolstered by the return of Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Matt Short, all of whom missed games during the recent West Indies tour. Head and Hazlewood were rested for the T20Is, while Short withdrew late due to a side strain. The ODI squad sees a mix of experience and fresh faces following some high-profile retirements and availability changes post the Champions Trophy 2025, where Australia reached the semi-finals. Zampa: 'Building Towards the T20 World Cup' Veteran leg-spinner Adam Zampa emphasized the importance of these matches in preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. 'We've been playing some really good cricket but our World Cups haven't gone to plan, the last couple,' Zampa told 'We've got a lot of new guys, new faces, new roles—so it's about getting them ready for whatever pops up in that T20 World Cup.' Young Pacers in Focus Xavier Bartlett and Lance Morris, who made their ODI debuts during the home series against West Indies, are again included as part of the long-term planning towards the next ODI World Cup in Southern Africa. The upcoming tour in Darwin, Cairns, and Townsville will feature three T20Is and three ODIs, marking a vital chapter in Australia's white-ball roadmap. Australia T20I Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa Australia ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

Jake-Fraser McGurk snubbed from T20I squad as Australia announce squad vs South Africa
Jake-Fraser McGurk snubbed from T20I squad as Australia announce squad vs South Africa

India Today

time41 minutes ago

  • India Today

Jake-Fraser McGurk snubbed from T20I squad as Australia announce squad vs South Africa

Swashbuckling opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was dropped from Australia's white-ball squads against South Africa for the upcoming 6-match white-ball series. Fraser-McGurk, popularly known as JFM, was dropped from the side amidst prolonged poor outings in the T20I has played 8 T20Is so far after his sensational outing in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League. The opener has played 8 matches, where he has scored just 115 runs at an average of 14.37. His outings in the ODI format have not been up to the mark either. In 7 matches, he has scored just 98 runs at an average of Australia build up for the T20 World Cup 2026, they have extended Mitch Owen's stay with the side. The 23-year-old has been rewarded for his fine form in his first 5 T20Is against West Indies by being named in both of Australia's squads for short-format series against South Africa in the far north of the country next month. The 23-year-old all-rounder, who has yet to play a one-day international, scored 125 runs and took two wickets as Australia swept West Indies in all five T20s in the Caribbean this Marsh captains both T20 and ODI squads in the absence of regular 50-overs skipper Pat Cummins, who will sit out the series with fellow quick Mitch Starc. Paceman Josh Hazlewood and batter Travis Head return to both squads as Australia continue their preparations for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next Smith and Glenn Maxwell have both retired from ODIs but the latter was named in the T20 squad, which will face South Africa in two matches in Darwin and another in Cairns."As we build towards the T20 World Cup the flexibility and depth shown in the West Indies, outside of the obvious results, has been a huge positive," said chief selector George Bailey."The flexibility within the batting order and ability of bowlers to bowl in different stages of the innings were particularly pleasing to see."Wicketkeeper Alex Carey and top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne were included in the ODI squad only, along with fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Lance ODI series takes place after the completion of the T20s, kicking off in Cairns with the last two matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in T20I Squad vs South AfricaMitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam ZampaAustralia ODI Squad vs South AfricaMitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa- EndsMust Watch

FIFA World Cup 2026: When is the draw? Key info you need to know
FIFA World Cup 2026: When is the draw? Key info you need to know

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

FIFA World Cup 2026: When is the draw? Key info you need to know

Lionel Messi of Argentina and teammates celebrate with the FIFA World Cup trophy (Photo by) Las Vegas has reportedly been selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on December 5, according to ESPN and TUDN Mexico. The draw ceremony will determine the groupings for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The draw will organise teams into 12 groups of four nations each. This marks the second time Las Vegas will host a World Cup draw, having previously hosted the ceremony for the 1994 World Cup when the United States was the sole host. Initial reports from ESPN suggested The Sphere, a newly opened 17,500-seat venue from 2023, was considered the leading candidate for the draw location. However, Sphere sources later confirmed to both AFP and ESPN that the draw would not take place at their venue. Similar to 1994, Las Vegas will host the draw despite not being selected as a host city for any World Cup matches in 2026. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store