IPL 2024: Robin Uthappa compares MS Dhoni's work ethic with Roger Federer

MS Dhoni made a highly-anticipated comeback to competitive cricket during the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, March 22.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was packed to the rafters on Friday to watch two of the most popular teams in the league in action. Most of them also came to catch a glimpse of the talismanic MS Dhoni, who was in competitive action for the first since the IPL 2023 final.

After Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to field first, Dhoni, who stepped down from captaincy on the eve of the encounter, showed excellent reflexes behind the stumps. He stopped an inside-edge off the bat of the RCB skipper by diving to his left and the fans appreciated his effort with a huge roar. The 42-year-old also collected a couple of bouncers by timing his jump to perfection. Dhoni also took a couple of catches and ran out the 24-year-old Anuj Rawat off the final delivery with a smart under-arm throw after Dinesh Karthik tried to steal a quick run.

Dhoni had been struggling with a knee issue last year in the IPL but he played through the pain and led his team to a record-equaling fifth title. After the season, he underwent knee surgery and there were doubts over his participation in IPL 2024. However, the stalwart worked hard on his fitness and he reaped its benefits on Friday. His former India and CSK teammate Robin Uthappa praised him for his performance on the field and compared his work ethic to the legendary tennis ace Roger Federer.

"He certainly does. His knee looks brand new at the moment. The fact that he is jogging and striding well just goes to show he has done the work behind the scenes. Just like Roger Federer. Nobody knows the kind of work ethic he has got, but he turns up in tournaments and looks really good. MS Is doing that," Uthappa told JioCinema.

Also Read: 'Abey sans to lene de usko' - Virat Kohli's hilarious interaction with Ravindra Jadeja during CSK vs RCB grabs attention

MS Dhoni has been playing tennis, and paddle tennis to keep himself fit: Robin Uthappa

Uthappa mentioned that the former India captain had been playing tennis to get himself ready for the 17th season of the IPL.

"He is looking good, looking healthy and strong from the looks of it, seems to be batting well. Like I said in the past, CSK will play MS Dhoni on a wheelchair. But, I think he has begun well. He will be happy about it. He has been playing tennis, and paddle tennis to keep himself fit. He looks as good as gold at the moment," Uthappa said.

Also Read: I have learned to finish games from Mahi bhai: Shivam Dube

The Super Kings went on to beat RCB by six wickets with eight balls to spare after restricting du Plessis and Co. to 173/6 in their 20 overs. Mustafizur Rahman won the Player of the Match award for his spell of 4/29 in four overs in what was his first appearance for the Men in Yellow.