'Average fitness levels of Indians has gone down' - MS Dhoni urges people to prioritize physical activities

Former India captain MS Dhoni is known to be among the fittest cricketers in the country, and the same is evident, as the wicketkeeper-batter still plays actively for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). At age 44, he still hasn't thought about leaving professional cricket, though he has retired from the international formats of the game in 2020.

Being an advocate of fitness, Dhoni is of the opinion that the average fitness levels of public in the country has gone down drastically. He gave the example of his daughter Ziva, and explained that even she isn't as fit, since she isn't involved in any sort of sporting chores. As a result, Dhoni's statement hints at advising people to pick up any sport to keep themself agile enough.

“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 at a Neuberg event on Monday, July 21.

Dhoni's possible return at IPL 2026

Despite having an awful run at the IPL 2025, the Ranchi-born is keeping his options open for a possible return in the next year of the lucrative league. He had a few decent cameos down the order, but a majority of them came in losing causes for the team. The legendary cricketer had the opportunity to captain CSK once again, after mainstay skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to an elbow fracture.

The franchise ended up being eliminated from the season, after a string of losses, despite having some big names in the side. Whether CSK retain him for the next year remains to be seen, as the cricketer is likely to take a call on his participation, when the time is nearer.