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| Name | Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 1981 |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Net Worth | Rs. 1040 crores |
| Age | 42 years old |
| Height | 1.75 M (5′ 9”) |
| Weight | 78 kg |
| Birthplace | Ranchi, Bihar (present-day Jharkhand), India |
| Nationality | Indian |
Who is MS Dhoni?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a famous Indian cricketer who is well-known for his exceptional skills both as a player and a leader. He was born on July 7, 1981, in a town called Ranchi in India. Dhoni is especially recognized for his role as a wicketkeeper-batsman, meaning he’s the player who stands behind the stumps and catches the ball when the bowler delivers it.
Dhoni gained immense popularity for his cool and composed demeanor on the field, earning him the nickname “Captain Cool.” He captained the Indian cricket team from 2007 to 2016, leading the team to many significant victories, including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
One of his signature cricket shots is called the “helicopter shot,” where he swings his bat in a unique way to hit the ball for maximum runs. His remarkable leadership skills and innovative strategies made a big impact on modern cricket. He is admired for his ability to make important decisions under pressure.
Dhoni’s journey from being a small-town boy to a cricketing legend has inspired many. Even after retiring from international cricket, he continues to be a prominent figure in the sport and a role model for aspiring cricketers.
Early Life
MS Dhoni, the cricketing sensation, had a humble beginning. He was born in Ranchi, which was a part of Bihar back then, and is now in Jharkhand, India. He comes from a Hindu Rajput family, and his parents originally belong to Uttarakhand. He is the youngest among the three children of Pan Singh and Devaki Devi. His family has its roots in a village called Lwali in the Almora District of Uttarakhand. Interestingly, while Dhoni spells his surname as “Dhoni,” his uncle and cousins spell it as “Dhauni.”
Dhoni’s early life was shaped by his family’s move from Uttarakhand to Ranchi, where his father got a job as a pump operator in the MECON Colony in the Doranda area. Despite the challenges, Dhoni’s family worked hard to make a living and provide for their children’s education and well-being.
In his school days at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Dhoni was actually a goalkeeper for the football team. However, fate had something different in store for him. His exceptional skills in goalkeeping caught the eye of his coach, Keshav Ranjan Banerjee. Banerjee saw potential in Dhoni’s abilities and encouraged him to switch from football to cricket. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Dhoni’s cricketing journey. Little did anyone know that this decision would lead to the rise of one of the most iconic cricketers in the world.
Dhoni’s remarkable wicketkeeping skills quickly became evident as he started playing for the Commando Cricket Club from 1995 to 1998. His talent behind the stumps was hard to ignore, and he soon became the regular wicketkeeper for his team. His performance at the club level caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike.
The year 1997/98 proved to be a turning point for Dhoni. He was selected to play in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-16 Championship. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his cricketing prowess on a bigger stage. His impressive performance during the championship further cemented his reputation as a promising cricketer with a bright future ahead.
After completing his school education, Dhoni took an unexpected route. From 2001 to 2003, he worked as a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at the Kharagpur railway station, which falls under the South Eastern Railway in West Bengal. This might seem like a surprising choice, but it’s a testament to Dhoni’s down-to-earth and practical nature. This experience exposed him to different aspects of life and likely contributed to his grounded personality.
As destiny would have it, Dhoni’s cricketing journey was far from over. His dedication, skills, and hard work paved the way for him to enter the world of professional cricket at a higher level. From these early experiences to becoming a cricketing legend, MS Dhoni’s life story is a testament to the power of determination and passion.
Personal Life
Beyond the cricket pitch, MS Dhoni’s life reveals intriguing details about his roots, family, personal interests, and financial success. Hailing from the ancestral village of Lwali in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, Dhoni’s connection to his family’s history is a crucial aspect of his life. His father, Pan Singh Dhoni, left the village in 1970 in search of employment and eventually settled in Ranchi. While Dhoni’s father moved away, his uncle Dhanpat Singh Dhauni and cousin Hayat Singh Dhauni still reside in Lwali, preserving the family ties to the village.
Dhoni embarked on a new journey in his personal life when he married Sakshi Singh Rawat on 4 July 2010. The wedding took place in Dehradun, just a day after their engagement, marking the beginning of their shared life. The couple’s union was further blessed with the birth of their daughter, Zeeva Dhoni. This family aspect of Dhoni’s life provides insight into his more private and emotional side, away from the cricketing limelight.
Beyond his personal life, Dhoni has a strong affinity for the Indian Army. His admiration for the armed forces is evident in his words and actions. His experience of spending a day with the parachute regiment in Ranchi speaks volumes about his respect for the soldiers. He revealed, “Since childhood, I wanted to join the Army. Seeing the soldiers, I thought one day I’ll be the same.” This deep-seated connection showcases his patriotism and his lifelong aspiration to serve the nation.
On the professional front, Dhoni’s influence extends beyond the field. He holds the role of vice-president of marketing in India Cements Ltd., a company led by former BCCI president and owner of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, N. Srinivasan. This demonstrates his business acumen and involvement in cricket beyond just playing.
Net Worth
Turning the spotlight on his financial success, Dhoni’s net worth is estimated to be around 1040 crore rupees. His multifaceted career, spanning from cricket to endorsements and business ventures, has contributed significantly to his wealth. His association with various brands and endorsements, combined with his earnings from cricket, has propelled him to a position of financial prominence.
Career History
MS Dhoni’s early career in cricket was a journey of determination and rising through the ranks. In 1998, he was spotted by Deval Sahay, a cricket association official, who recognized his potential and selected him to play for the Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL) team. It was a big break for Dhoni, as he had never played professional cricket before. Despite being in the 12th grade at that time, he quickly made an impact on the CCL team by showcasing his batting skills.
Playing for CCL provided Dhoni with an opportunity to bat higher up the order, and he seized this chance to shine. His exceptional performances played a crucial role in helping CCL move up to the A division of cricket. Deval Sahay, impressed by Dhoni’s consistent and impressive showings, advocated for his selection in the Bihar cricket team.
Dhoni’s journey continued to progress rapidly. He transitioned from the CCL team to the Ranchi team, which was the junior Bihar cricket team. Within just a year, he made his way to the senior Bihar Ranji Team, which was a significant achievement for a budding cricketer.
In the 1998–99 Cooch Behar Trophy, Dhoni represented the Under-19 Bihar cricket team. He displayed his batting prowess, scoring a total of 176 runs in five matches spread across seven innings. Despite his efforts, Bihar finished fourth in the group of six teams and didn’t qualify for the quarter-finals. This early setback didn’t deter Dhoni’s determination to excel in the sport.
The 1999–2000 Cooch Behar Trophy marked another milestone for Dhoni. He played a crucial role in helping the Bihar U-19 cricket team reach the finals of the tournament. During this time, he scored 84 runs in a crucial match, contributing to Bihar’s total score of 357. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Punjab’s score of 839, in which Dhoni’s future teammate Yuvraj Singh played a significant role.
Despite challenges, Dhoni’s individual contributions stood out. Throughout the tournament, he accumulated 488 runs in nine matches and 12 innings. He also demonstrated his skills as a wicketkeeper, taking 17 catches and completing 7 stumpings. These performances caught the attention of selectors and further solidified his place as a promising young cricketer.
Dhoni’s progress wasn’t without hurdles, as seen in the CK Nayudu Trophy in the 1999–2000 season. While representing the East Zone U-19 squad, he faced tough competition and managed to score only 97 runs in four matches. Unfortunately, East Zone lost all their matches and finished last in the tournament. Despite this setback, Dhoni’s determination and talent continued to grow, setting the stage for the remarkable cricketing journey that lay ahead.
Continuing his journey in the world of cricket, MS Dhoni’s early career saw him making his mark on various stages. In the 1999–2000 season, Dhoni, just eighteen years old, made his Ranji Trophy debut for the Bihar cricket team. In his very first match, he showed his potential by scoring a half-century, an impressive 68* in the second innings against the Assam cricket team. This was just the beginning of his journey, as he finished the season with a total of 283 runs in 5 matches.
Dhoni’s growth as a cricketer continued into the 2000/01 season when he scored his maiden first-class century while playing for Bihar against Bengal. Despite this notable achievement, his performance in the rest of the season did not feature many scores above fifty. The subsequent 2001/02 season also brought its share of challenges, as he managed to score only five half-centuries in four Ranji matches.
However, Dhoni’s determination and hard-hitting batting style were beginning to gain recognition. In the 2002–03 season, he made a mark with three half-centuries in the Ranji Trophy and a couple of half-centuries in the Deodhar Trophy. This showcased his ability to contribute effectively from the lower order and highlighted his aggressive batting approach.
Dhoni’s reputation continued to grow in the 2003/04 season. He scored a remarkable century (128*) against Assam in the first match of the Ranji ODI tournament. Additionally, he was a crucial part of the East Zone squad that won the Deodhar Trophy in the 2003–2004 season. His contributions included a century (114) against the Central Zone.
In a significant turn of events, Dhoni was selected over established international cricketer Deep Dasgupta to represent the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy finals. While the team didn’t win, Dhoni’s fighting half-century in the second innings displayed his potential and determination.
Dhoni’s talents were discovered through the BCCI’s talent-spotting initiative called TRDW. Prakash Poddar, former captain of Bengal in the 1960s, spotted Dhoni playing for Jharkhand during a match in Jamshedpur in 2003. Impressed by Dhoni’s skills, Poddar sent a report to the National Cricket Academy, recognizing Dhoni’s promising talent.
Dhoni’s efforts in the 2003/04 season, particularly in the One Day format, did not go unnoticed. His performances earned him a spot in the India A squad for a tour of Zimbabwe and Kenya. During a match against the Zimbabwe XI, Dhoni showcased his wicket-keeping prowess by taking 7 catches and making 4 stumpings. He played a crucial role in the tri-nation tournament involving India A, Kenya, and Pakistan A. Dhoni’s half-century helped India A chase down a target of 223 against Pakistan A.
Further solidifying his reputation, Dhoni scored consecutive centuries, 120 and an unbeaten 119*, against Pakistan A. His stellar performance in the series caught the attention of notable figures like Sourav Ganguly, the then-Indian captain, and Ravi Shastri. These achievements demonstrated Dhoni’s growing potential and placed him firmly on the radar of Indian cricket selectors and enthusiasts.
Dhoni’s early career was marked by his resilience, adaptability, and hard-hitting batting style. These qualities, combined with his consistent performances, laid the foundation for his future success on the international stage.
International Career
MS Dhoni’s international cricket career is marked by numerous achievements, challenges, and moments that have left an indelible mark on the sport. His journey began in the early 2000s when he joined the Indian ODI team. Initially, Dhoni faced competition from other wicket-keeper batsmen like Rahul Dravid, Parthiv Patel, and Dinesh Karthik. Despite not making a strong start to his ODI career, Dhoni’s potential was recognized, and he was selected for the Bangladesh tour in 2004/05.
His breakthrough moment came during the Pakistan ODI series in 2005. In just his fifth ODI, he smashed an impressive 148 runs against Pakistan in Visakhapatnam, showcasing his explosive batting style. This inning not only marked his highest ODI score at the time but also established him as a rising star in Indian cricket.
One of Dhoni’s defining moments occurred during the Sri Lankan bilateral ODI series in 2005. Promoted to No. 3, he played a pivotal role in helping India chase down a target of 299 with an unbeaten 183 off 145 balls. This incredible inning earned praise for its aggressiveness and finesse.
Dhoni’s consistency and performance earned him accolades and awards, including the Man of the Series award in the 2005 series against Sri Lanka. His meteoric rise continued, and he even topped the ICC ODI Batsman rankings for a brief period in 2006, becoming the fastest batsman to do so.
The year 2007 brought both triumph and disappointment. Dhoni’s leadership led India to victory in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 tournament, establishing him as a successful captain and pioneer of the shortest format. However, in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, India faced a shocking early exit, failing to progress beyond the group stage.
Despite this setback, Dhoni’s performances remained influential. His leadership qualities were evident in his calm and strategic captaincy decisions. He led the team to victory in several series and played crucial roles with the bat, often rescuing India from challenging situations.
Dhoni continued to excel in limited-overs cricket, guiding India to success in various tournaments and series. His innings during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he scored an unbeaten 85 against Bangladesh, showcased his ability to handle pressure and guide the team in crucial moments.
In 2017, Dhoni stepped down as the captain of the limited-overs teams, passing on the responsibility to the next generation. However, he remained an integral part of the team as a player and senior advisor.
His final years in international cricket were marked by records and milestones. Dhoni’s contributions with the bat, behind the stumps, and as a leader continued to be invaluable. In August 2020, he surprised the cricket world by announcing his retirement from international cricket. Despite his retirement from international play, Dhoni’s legacy remains intact, and he continues to contribute to the sport by playing in domestic leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Throughout his international career, MS Dhoni’s journey was defined by his calm demeanor, fierce competitiveness, and remarkable cricketing skills. His impact on Indian cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats, is immeasurable, and his leadership and contributions have left an enduring imprint on the history of the sport.
IPL and Domestic Cricket Journey
In the IPL, Dhoni was contracted by CSK for a whopping US$1.5 million in the first season, making him the highest-paid player at the time. Under his leadership, CSK achieved remarkable success, clinching the IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, showcasing his exceptional captaincy skills. Dhoni’s strategic prowess guided CSK to victory, with the franchise also winning the Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.
Dhoni’s contributions to the IPL are unparalleled. He became the first player to participate in 200 T20 matches for Super Kings, holding the record for the most matches played in the Indian Premier League. His leadership prowess shone as he became the only captain to win more than 100 matches in the IPL, a testament to his tactical acumen.
However, Dhoni’s journey was not without its challenges. In 2015, Chennai Super Kings faced a two-year ban from the IPL due to allegations of illegal betting by an official. This period was described by Dhoni as the darkest in his career. Despite this setback, his dedication and commitment remained unwavering.
In 2016, Dhoni was appointed captain of the newly-formed Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) franchise. Although his captaincy tenure with RPS was short-lived, he continued to contribute as a wicketkeeper-batsman in the 2017 season. In 2018, he returned to CSK and led the franchise to its third IPL title, further cementing his legacy as a captain and player.
Throughout his IPL career, Dhoni’s impact on the field was immense. He showcased his versatility by contributing both as a captain and a batsman, guiding his team to victory on multiple occasions. His leadership, combined with his calm and composed demeanor, earned him admiration and respect from fans and players alike.
Dhoni’s journey in the IPL reflects his determination, resilience, and unyielding commitment to the game. He proved that his cricketing skills were not limited to international matches, leaving an indelible mark on the IPL and domestic cricket circuit.
