Dhoni: Indian Fitness Levels Declining
Cricket icon cites daughter’s activity levels in stark assessment
Legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni has voiced a blunt opinion on the current state of fitness among Indians, suggesting a noticeable decline. Speaking at an event in Ranchi, the former captain pointed to diminishing physical activity as a key reason.
Dhoni’s Personal Observations
MS Dhoni shared his concern, noting a societal shift away from active lifestyles. He mentioned his own daughter, observing that even she does not engage in much physical activity. This personal anecdote highlights his belief that planned engagement in sports or exercise is increasingly necessary for many.
“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.”
— Rushiii (@rushiii_12) June 15, 2024
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has famously maintained his physical condition, participating in every Indian Premier League (IPL) season since its inception.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Fitness Overhaul Amidst Debate
In a contrasting development, Indian batter **Sarfaraz Khan** has reportedly undergone a significant physical transformation. The 27-year-old, who has faced scrutiny regarding his fitness and weight, appears to have shed 17 kilograms recently. This effort aims to bolster his chances of securing a more permanent place in the Indian national team.
Despite impressive domestic statistics, with 4685 runs in 55 first-class matches at an average of 65.98, **Sarfaraz Khan** has had limited opportunities at the international level. He made his Test debut in 2024 and was part of the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, but did not feature in any matches.
Sarfaraz Khan recently represented India A against England Lions, scoring 92 runs, a performance that could be instrumental in his comeback bid. The focus on his physical conditioning comes at a time when fitness is a major talking point in Indian cricket.
The emphasis on fitness in cricket is critical; for instance, a study by the Loughborough University found that improved cardiovascular fitness can enhance a cricketer’s agility and stamina by up to 15% (Loughborough University, 2023).
