In a podcast with Raj Shamani, legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni opened up about fear, pressure, childhood discipline, and the simple routines that shaped his personality long before fame arrived. From discussing breathing techniques to recalling his strictly scheduled childhood, Dhoni shared how a calm mindset and disciplined upbringing helped him stay grounded throughout his journey.
During the interaction, Dhoni was asked whether he ever feels scared. Responding calmly, he explained how breathing plays a major role in controlling fear and anxiety.
According to him, fear often causes breathing to become shallow, while the heart rate increases because the body feels it needs more oxygen. He described deep breathing as one of the easiest ways to calm oneself under pressure.
“Long breaths. Take your time to exhale,” he said while explaining how slowing down breathing can help bring the heart rate under control.
Dhoni also mentioned that although he does not formally practice breathing exercises every day, he consciously uses the technique whenever he feels pressure.
Reflecting on his younger days, Dhoni revealed that his childhood followed an extremely structured routine where almost every hour of the day was fixed.
He explained that even wake-up timings changed according to the season. During summers, mornings began at 5:30 am, while winters started at 5:45 am. The day would begin with studying in bed before getting ready for school.
Breakfast timings, school prayers, study hours, sports, evening snacks, and bedtime were all part of a disciplined daily schedule that continued for years.
Dhoni shared that outdoor sports were an essential part of his routine.
He recalled how evenings were dedicated entirely to playing with friends before returning home for studies and dinner.
According to Dhoni, this disciplined and sport-focused upbringing left very little room for overthinking or insecurities during childhood.
When asked about childhood insecurities or comparisons with others, Dhoni admitted that such thoughts rarely crossed his mind while growing up.
He explained that the routine-driven lifestyle kept him occupied, and most of the focus remained on studies, sports, and improving performance every day.
“We didn't know anything about insecurity,” he said while recalling those years.
Despite discussing fame and pressure, Dhoni’s reflections throughout the conversation highlighted simplicity, emotional balance, and discipline as the foundations of his mindset , qualities that continue to define one of India’s most admired cricketers.
MS Dhoni about his retirement
No, not right now, Dhoni said when asked about his retirement. "I am still playing IPL and kept it very simple, I take one year at a time," added.
