MS Dhoni shows clear signs of ageing in these pics

Some fans compared Dhoni to the famous character of 'Bahubali'. Dhoni even shares the same first name Mahendra with the infamous character of 'Mahendra Bahubali'. Fans left no stones unturned to pay their respects to the 39-year-old cricketer who has shown tremendous fighting spirit for his age. 

Twitterati made their views clear when their favorit player, Dhoni, was having trouble physically in his side's last outing against SRH. Several fans on social media showcased their full support for Dhoni, appreciating his fighting spirit even at the age of 39. 

MS Dhoni had announced his retirement from International cricket on August 15, 2020. He last played for India in their heart-breaking World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand in June 2019.

Dhoni, now 39, returned to competitive cricket for the first time in 437-days in IPL 2020, much to the delight of his millions of fans. But, Dhoni has failed to showcase the form that made him a world-beater where for over a decade- he was a force to be reckoned with and won several games for the country single-handedly. 

(Image Credits: File Photo)

After their victory in the opening game (thanks to Rayudu's match-winning 71), CSK have lost three games on the trot. A big reason for that has been the dismal show with the bat from Dhoni. Once known as the greatest finisher in the game, the wicket-keeper batsman has failed to get going right from the onset,

He has ambled along at pedestrian pace early-on in his innings. While he has hit some lusty blows at the death, they have come too late, with the yellow franchise needing a lot more from their talismanic skipper. 

Even in their latest outing against SRH on October 2, Dhoni finished at a respectable 47 off 36 balls but has completely failed to live up to his lofty standards.  (Image Credits: Twitter/@StarSportsIndia)  

In the 19th over of the innings with 44-runs needed from just 12 balls, Dhoni looked totally winded. 

He took a long breather and went to the ground after clutching his right thigh - a clear sign that he was cramping up. He played another delivery from SRH pacer Khaleel Ahmed after that and then went to the ground - calling for the physio.

It was long break in the middle and much to the dismay of the CSK and Dhoni fans - it looked like time was finally catching-up with the 39-year-old Dhoni. (Image Credits: Twitter/@ChennaiIPL)

Chasing SRH's total of 164, CSK lost 4 early wickets and then it was up to Dhoni and Jadeja to rebuild the CSK innings. Although the duo stitched a 72-run stand, Dhoni looked visibly exhausted for most of his stay. He was not his usual energetic self.

Dhoni had already kept the wickets for 20 long overs during the SRH innings earlier. We also have to take into account the hot and humid conditions in the UAE, where several people younger than Dhoni have already struggled.

Dhoni ultimately failed to take his side over the line as CSK fell short by 7 runs.  (Image Credits: Twitter/@IPL)