'He has nothing left to prove, yet people don’t want him to leave the game' - Navjot Singh Sidhu lauds MS Dhoni's aura

MS Dhoni returned to action for the first time in almost a year when he featured in Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) four-wicket win against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), in Chennai, on Sunday, March 23.

The 43-year-old turned back the clock in the ongoing IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) when he effected a stumping in just 0.12 seconds to send the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav back to the pavilion. Dhoni showed no signs of rust as he hit the ground running, much to the delight of the passionate CSK fans in attendance. After the match, former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu heaped praise on the wicketkeeper-batter’s fitness and execution, even at the twilight of his career.

"At 43 years old, he is still the best. He’s like old wine—getting better with time. Just look at his fitness. A wicketkeeper’s survival depends on it, and Dhoni’s technique, combined with his effortless execution, is remarkable," Sidhu told Star Sports after the match.

Following the victory, MS Dhoni was seen talking to debutant Vignesh Puthur, who took three big wickets for Mumbai Indians on Sunday, before patting him on the back. Sidhu explained how much that brief interaction could mean to a youngster. He also backed Dhoni to score a half-century for CSK even at the age of 50.

"The respect he has earned over the years is simply astounding. It was the sweetest and most heartwarming sight when he walked up to young Vignesh, patted him on the back, and encouraged him. That kind of motivation is like premium gasoline—it fuels a player to overcome life’s toughest challenges. Somewhere down the line, Dhoni has won hearts. He has nothing left to prove, yet people don’t want him to leave the game. And I’d bet my life on one thing—he might just be the only cricketer who could still score a half-century for Chennai Super Kings at 50!" Sidhu noted.

What makes Ishan Kishan truly special isn’t just his skill, it’s his attitude: Sidhu

Sunday was a double-header, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Rajasthan Royals in the afternoon IPL fixture at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Ishan Kishan’s maiden IPL ton was the highlight of that clash, setting up a 44-run win for the Pat Cummins-led side.

Sidhu compared Kishan to stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Dhoni for his ability to instill fear in opposition bowlers. The Jharkhand wicketkeeper smashed 11 fours and six sixes during his unbeaten knock of 106 off 47 deliveries. Sidhu also analyzed Kishan’s batting technique, highlighting his brilliant use of the bottom hand, a trait synonymous with the legendary Virat Kohli.

Read more: 'Bihari commentary is highly energetic, reminds me of old-school radio commentary' - MS Dhoni on regional commentary in IPL

"It was a blitzkrieg! He absolutely decimated the opposition—pummeling them into submission. The greatest asset a batsman can have in T20 cricket is the ability to instill fear in the opposition. That’s what Sachin and Sehwag did. And somewhere down the line, Dhoni does it too. When a batter dominates like that, the opposition is left helpless, just watching. Ishan Kishan’s brilliance lies in how early he meets the ball, combined with his magical wrists," Sidhu said.

"If you observe players like Virat Kohli, you’ll notice how the bottom hand plays a crucial role. Great players always have that fluid motion. Virat’s bottom hand comes into play from a different angle, and Kishan has mastered that technique too, including the scoop shot," the cricketer-turned-commentator further added.

Besides, Sidhu was also impressed with Kishan’s positive attitude and energy. The former cricketer hoped to see Kishan fit and ready for Sunrisers' next match against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, March 27.

"But what makes Ishan Kishan truly special isn’t just his skill—it’s his attitude. The energy he exudes, his body language, and his confidence make all the difference. His attitude is electrifying and intimidates the opposition. He brings that ‘I’m coming for you’ approach, and that, to me, is truly special. I was deeply disappointed to see him injured after the game. I just hope he recovers quickly, sees the invisible, and conquers the impossible. I hope he stays strong and continues to shine in this tournament," Sidhu concluded.