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'24 Vs 36': The Day MS Dhoni's 100m Sprint Left Hardik Pandya's Spirits Broken

Soumyajit Dutta

MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya in a race [Source: @sujanlahori/X.com]MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya in a race [Source: @sujanlahori/X.com]

8 years back, in December 2017, Mohali buzzed with the low thrum of preparation. India led the ODI series against Sri Lanka 1-0, but the chatter on this training day was something else among fans. A different kind of contest was brewing on the lush outfield, one that pitted youth against experience, power against precision, and challenged the very notion of athletic prime.

Hardik Pandya, the then 24-year-old dynamo, India's emerging all-round superstar, built like a sprinter and bursting with the confidence of youth, eyed MS Dhoni. Dhoni, the 36-year-old former captain, the ice-cool finisher, the man whose lightning-fast stumping hands were legendary, but whose running between wickets was perhaps an even greater, more consistent weapon. 

Pandya Throws The 100m Challenge With A Grin

Pandya, grinning, issued the challenge while stretching and warming up on the field. The challenge for a 100-meter dash. The assumption in the crisp winter air was palpable. The younger, seemingly faster man would naturally prevail.

They lined up. No starting gun, just a nod. Pandya exploded off the mark. His powerful legs churned the turf, propelling him into an immediate lead. It was the start everyone expected, raw, youthful acceleration leaving the older man momentarily trailing. Pandya, mid-stride, flicked a glance sideways, perhaps expecting to see Dhoni fading. He saw something else entirely.

MSD Tears Through The Air To Outrun Pandya

Dhoni, head down, hadn't panicked. He hadn't tried to match Hardik Pandya's explosive start. Instead, he settled into a relentless, powerful stride. Inch by inch, meter by meter, the grey-streaked beard gained ground on the youthful exuberance.

The gap closed rapidly. Pandya, sensing the challenge, pushed harder, his face tightening with effort. But Dhoni, operating within himself yet utterly determined, found another gear. Around the 90-meter mark, the 36-year-old glided past the 24-year-old. 

Pandya lunged desperately at the finish, but Dhoni crossed the imaginary line a stride clear. The message from Dhoni was clear, the ever-fit MSD says age is just a number not a limit on his speed, as he continues to play IPL even 8 years later.

MS Dhoni's Raw Fitness at 36

This wasn't about winning a casual sprint. It was a stark, physical manifestation of Dhoni's legendary fitness regime and his understanding of his body. While younger players relied on raw power, Dhoni mastered efficiency and endurance seen in his lightning fast stumpings and quick singles between wickets.

The Mohali dash became instant legend among fans as it silenced any lingering whispers about his agility fading. It reaffirmed why, even at 36, he remained one of the fittest, most dangerous players. In the race, the young gun had fired, but the old fox had simply run smarter, and faster.