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Who is MS Dhoni?
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What nicknames is MS Dhoni known by?
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How did MS Dhoni start his cricket career?
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What bikes and cars does MS Dhoni own?
He is known by many nicknames ‘Mahi,’ ‘MS,’ ‘MSD,’ ‘Captain Cool’ and ‘Thala.’ Do you know whose nicknames are these? Yes, it is indeed Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He is the most decorated Indian captain in history and has won all the major trophies, including the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the ICC Champions Trophy (2013).
MS Dhoni is a cricketing legend and this biography talks about his life, career, how many runs and centuries he has made and more.
Early Life
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was born in Ranchi Jharkhand and his parent’s names are Pan Singh and Devaki Devi. He also has a sister and a brother. Dhoni did his schooling at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir Ranchi, Jharkhand. He excelled in several sports such as badminton, football and cricket. Additionally, he has played as a goalkeeper for his school football team and played cricket for a local club.
He demonstrated his excellent wicket-keeping skills at the Commando Cricket Club during 1995-98. Due to his skills, he was selected for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-16 Championship for the 1997-98 session and played brilliantly in the Championship. After completing High School, he focused on Cricket and during 2001-2003, Dhoni worked as a TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner) at Kharagpur Railway Station, under South Eastern Railway in West Bengal.
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How did MS Dhoni and Sakshi meet?
MS Dhoni and Sakshi met at Taj Bengal Kolkata in 2007. During that time, Sakshi was interning at the hotel and Dhoni was staying there to play a match that would take place at Eden Gardens. Moreover, it wasn’t until 2008 that they started dating each other. They got married in 2010 and became parents to Ziva in 2015.
Facts About Mahendra Singh Dhoni
International Career & Captaincy
Dhoni debuted for the Indian cricket team on 23rd December 2004 against Bangladesh. But the debut had a rough start as he was run out after playing the first ball of his international career. Adding to injury, was a series of low scores in the following matches. Many thought that his batting technique would become a roadblock in his career, but it became a blessing in disguise for him.
He flicked his wrists for yorker-length deliveries and threw the ball out of the park. During a match against Pakistan, he batted at number three position, which helped him score his first-ever century. He made 148 off 123 and helped India beat their nemesis by 58 runs. The BCCI chose MS Dhoni to lead India’s cricket team in 2007 because of his wicket-keeping and mentoring skills.
Dhoni became the captain just before the first T20 World Cup in South Africa, leading a young and inexperienced squad. Even though the team didn’t have much experience they delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
In the finals against Pakistan, Dhoni’s decision to let Joginder Sharma bowl the last over seemed risky, but his bold move paid off, and India won their first T20 World Cup by defeating Pakistan. Winning the World Cup in 2011, became a defining moment for his career. After smacking the full-length delivery over long-on and scoring a four, India won the 2011 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup.
Subsequently, in 2013, he led the team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy and became the only captain to have all three major ICC trophies. His calm demeanour and tactical acumen made him the embodiment of the team’s success and a respected leader.
MS Dhoni’s IPL Career
Dhoni is an iconic cricketer who has played a pivotal role in establishing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) brand. The franchise secured the keeper-batter for a significant INR 6 crores. Since its inception in 2008, MS Dhoni has been the face of CSK. However, during the team’s two-year suspension, he captained the Rising Pune Supergiant for one season.
He has led CSK to five titles, the most wins in the IPL’s history and has donned the role of a finisher for a decade. He has played 250 matches and scored 5082 runs at a strike rate of 135.92. With the end of the IPL 2024, there is always one question that troubles everyone whether Dhoni will play in the next season’s IPL or not.
Awards & Recognition
Below is a table showcasing the remarkable achievements of MS Dhoni:
On & Off-Field Controversies
Below are some of the controversies ‘Captain Cool’ was involved in:
- ‘No Spark In The Youngsters’ Remark During IPl 2020
For the first time in IPL 2020, CSK didn’t qualify for the playoffs. The team’s performance was poor and after consecutive failures of CSK in 2020, Dhoni remarked, “You don’t want to chop and change. Insecurity is something you don’t want to prevail in the living room. Fair enough, this season we are not really there. Also, the youngsters did not see the spark to push the guys. But what is done is done give those youngsters a chance in the rest of the tournament.”
The media associated the comments with Ruturaj Gaiwkad and he became the reason why CSK won the title in 2021 and won the Orange Cap IPL 2021 for scoring 636 runs in 16 matches.
- The No Ball Controversy Against Rajasthan Royals In 2019
During the 2019 IPL match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS Dhoni, known for his calm demeanour lost his cool. In a tense moment, CSK needed 8 runs off three balls. Ben Stokes bowled a slow full-toss, and the umpire initially signalled a no-ball. Yet, the decision was reversed by the square-leg umpire. Dhoni, upset by the reversal, walked onto the field from the sidelines to confront the umpires.
- Rift with Virender Sehwag
During the T20 World Cup 2009, there were rumors about a rift between India captain MS Dhoni and opener Virender Sehwag. When asked about Sehwag’s injury at a press conference, Dhoni said the BCCI would provide any player fitness information and refused to comment fueling the rumours further. To address this, the entire Indian team, including Sehwag, attended a press conference before their match against Bangladesh to show unity. Dhoni read a statement denying any rift and criticised the media for false reporting.
MS Dhoni’s Role in the Indian Army
Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion). After his retirement, he wishes to spend more time with the Army. In 2011, the Indian Army honoured him with the prestigious accolade after which he became a qualified paratrooper in 2015. Consequently, in 2019, MS Dhoni served in Kashmir and undertook the duties of patrolling, guarding and post-duty for about 15 days.
Bike & Car Collection
MS Dhoni is a huge fan of bikes and cars. From vintage classics to modern-day beasts, his garage houses an array of motorcycles. Here’s an overview:
Citroen Makes MS Dhoni As Its New Brand Ambassdor
Citreon India recently announced the appointment of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador. MS Dhoni will soon be featured in Citreon’s new brand campaign.
Shishir Mehra, Brand Director of Citreon India remarked, “We are very excited to welcome Mahendra Singh Dhoni into the Citreon family. Our association with Dhoni will go a long way in reinforcing our commitment to the Indian market. His humility and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our brand’s ideology, while our shared commitment to sustainability and shaping the future of mobility strengthens our connections.”
Summary
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known by nicknames such as Mahi, MSD, Captain Cool and Thala, is a legendary Indian cricketer and the most decorated captain in Indian cricket history. Born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Dhoni’s career spans from his early days excelling in various sports to becoming a celebrated cricketer. Dhoni’s calm demeanour, strategic brilliance and outstanding performances in the IPL, particularly with the Chennai Super Kings, have made him an iconic figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did MS Dhoni go to college?
Yes, Dhoni went to Gossner College Ranchi. He had graduated with B.com honours.
- Why was CSK banned for 2 years?
In July 2015, The Justice Lodha Committee found evidence of match-fixing and betting, leading to a two-year ban for both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the IPL in 2016 and 17.
- Why is Dhoni known as Mr Cool?
MS Dhoni was known as Captain Cool by the cricket fraternity for his ability to remain calm in the most tense situations on the field.
- What is the age difference between Dhoni and Sakshi?
The age difference between Dhoni and Sakshi is 7 years.
- At what age did Dhoni marry?
Dhoni was 28 years old, days away from turning 29 when he officially tied the knot with Sakshi.
- Who is the best friend of Dhoni?
MS Dhoni’s best friend is Seemant Lohani.
