Mahendra Singh Dhoni, commonly known as MS Dhoni, is a former Indian cricketer and captain of the Indian national team. Renowned for his calm demeanor and exceptional leadership skills, Dhoni led India to numerous victories, including the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. His contributions to Indian cricket have made him a legendary figure in the sport.
MS Dhoni Biographical Information
| Full Name | Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
| Place Of Birth | Ranchi, Bihar (now Jharkhand), India |
| HomeTown | Ranchi, Jharkhand, India |
| Date Of Birth | July 7, 1981 |
| Age | 43 (as of 2024) |
| Profession | Former Cricketer, Businessman |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
MS Dhoni Education
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| College/University | St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi |
| High School | DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali, Ranchi |
MS Dhoni Personal and Professional Challenges
MS Dhoni faced numerous challenges throughout his career. Early on, he struggled to secure a place in the national team due to stiff competition. His initial performances were inconsistent, but he soon found his footing. Professionally, Dhoni had to navigate the pressures of captaincy, managing team dynamics, and maintaining his performance. Personally, he dealt with the loss of his close friend and manager, which deeply affected him.
MS Dhoni Physical Attributes
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Notable Physical Attributes | Athletic build, known for his agility and quick reflexes |
MS Dhoni Net Worth
1. Cricket Career Earnings
- International Cricket: Dhoni earned significant sums from match fees, central contracts, and performance bonuses during his international career.
- Indian Premier League (IPL): As the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni has been one of the highest-paid players in the IPL. His salary from CSK has been a major contributor to his wealth.
2. Endorsements
- Brand Endorsements: Dhoni has endorsed numerous brands over the years, including Reebok, Pepsi, Gulf Oil, TVS Motors, and many more. These endorsements have been a substantial source of income.
- Brand Ambassador Roles: He has served as a brand ambassador for various companies, further boosting his earnings.
3. Business Ventures
- Sports Teams Ownership: Dhoni co-owns several sports teams, including Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League and Ranchi Rays in the Hockey India League.
- Other Investments: He has invested in various businesses, including a fitness chain, sportswear brand, and other startups.
4. Real Estate
- Properties: Dhoni owns multiple properties, including a luxurious farmhouse in Ranchi, apartments in Mumbai, and other real estate investments across India.
5. Other Sources
- Autobiography and Biopic: Earnings from his autobiography and the biographical film “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story” have also contributed to his net worth.
- Public Appearances: Dhoni earns from public appearances, motivational speeches, and participation in various events.
MS Dhoni Career
1. Early Career and Domestic Cricket
- Initial Struggles: MS Dhoni started his cricket journey in the small town of Ranchi, Jharkhand. He initially played for local clubs and school teams.
- Domestic Debut: Dhoni made his debut for Bihar in the 1999-2000 season. His performances in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments caught the attention of selectors.
- India A Team: His breakthrough came when he was selected for the India A team in 2003, where he performed exceptionally well against Kenya and Pakistan A.
2. International Debut and Rise
- ODI Debut: Dhoni made his ODI debut against Bangladesh on December 23, 2004. Despite a slow start, he soon made a mark with his aggressive batting style.
- First Century: He scored his first ODI century against Pakistan in April 2005, which established him as a formidable batsman.
- Test Debut: Dhoni made his Test debut against Sri Lanka on December 2, 2005.
3. Captaincy and Major Achievements
- T20 World Cup 2007: Dhoni was appointed captain of the Indian T20 team for the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. Under his leadership, India won the tournament.
- ODI Captaincy: He became the ODI captain in 2007 and led India to numerous victories, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- Test Captaincy: Dhoni took over as Test captain in 2008 and led India to the number one ranking in Test cricket for the first time in 2009.
- Champions Trophy 2013: Dhoni led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, making him the only captain to win all three ICC trophies.
4. Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Dhoni has been the captain of CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Under his leadership, CSK has won multiple IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021).
- Consistency: Known for his consistent performance, Dhoni has been a key player for CSK, both as a captain and a batsman.
5. Retirement from International Cricket
- Test Retirement: Dhoni retired from Test cricket on December 30, 2014, during the series against Australia.
- ODI and T20I Retirement: He announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, bringing an end to an illustrious career.
6. Post-Retirement Activities
- Continued IPL Participation: Dhoni continues to play in the IPL, leading CSK and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
- Business Ventures: He has ventured into various businesses, including sports management, fitness chains, and organic farming.
- Mentorship: Dhoni has taken on mentorship roles, guiding young cricketers and sharing his vast experience.
MS Dhoni Awards and Nominations
National Honors
| Award | Year | Work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award | 2008 | Cricket | Sports Award | Winner |
| Padma Shri | 2009 | Cricket | Civilian Award | Winner |
| Padma Bhushan | 2018 | Cricket | Civilian Award | Winner |
Sporting Honors
| Award | Year | Work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICC World ODI XI | 2006 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC ODI Player of the Year | 2008 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World ODI XI | 2008 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC ODI Player of the Year | 2009 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World ODI XI | 2009 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World ODI XI | 2010 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World ODI XI | 2011 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World ODI XI | 2012 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World ODI XI | 2013 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World ODI XI | 2014 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World Test XI | 2009 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World Test XI | 2010 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| ICC World Test XI | 2013 | Cricket | ICC Award | Winner |
| Castrol Indian Cricketer of the Year | 2011 | Cricket | Castrol Award | Winner |
Other Honors
| Award | Year | Work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTV Youth Icon of the Year | 2006 | Cricket | MTV Award | Winner |
| Honorary Doctorate | 2011 | Cricket | De Montfort University | Winner |
| Honorary Lieutenant Colonel | 2011 | Cricket | Indian Territorial Army | Winner |
| LG People’s Choice Award | 2013 | Cricket | LG Award | Winner |
MS Dhoni Family
Parents
- Father: Pan Singh
- Pan Singh worked as a junior manager at MECON, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel. Initially, he was skeptical about Dhoni’s cricket career and wanted him to focus on academics. However, he later supported Dhoni’s passion for cricket and was proud of his achievements.
- Mother: Devaki Devi
- Devaki Devi is a homemaker who has always been a pillar of support for Dhoni. She encouraged him to pursue his dreams and often prayed for his success during matches.
Siblings
- Elder Brother: Narendra Singh Dhoni
- Narendra Singh Dhoni is ten years older than MS Dhoni. He is a politician associated with the Samajwadi Party. Narendra lives a relatively low-key life and was not prominently featured in Dhoni’s biopic.
- Elder Sister: Jayanti Gupta
- Jayanti Gupta is an English teacher and has been a significant support system for Dhoni throughout his career. She is married to Gautam Gupta.
Spouse
- Wife: Sakshi Singh Dhoni
- Sakshi Singh Dhoni, née Rawat, married MS Dhoni on July 4, 2010. She has been a constant support in his life and career. Their love story began when Sakshi was interning as a receptionist at a hotel where Dhoni was staying.
Children
- Daughter: Ziva Singh Dhoni
- Ziva Singh Dhoni was born on February 6, 2015. She is often seen accompanying her father during matches and events, and has become a beloved figure among Dhoni’s fans.
MS Dhoni Wife
Personal Information
- Name: Sakshi Singh Dhoni (née Rawat)
- Date of Birth: November 19, 1988
- Place of Birth: Guwahati, Assam, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Education
- School: Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun; Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Ranchi
- College/University: Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad
Early Life and Background
Sakshi Singh Dhoni was born into a well-educated family in Assam. Her father, R.K. Singh, worked for a tea company, and her mother, Sheila Singh, is a homemaker. Sakshi spent her early years in Dehradun and later moved to Ranchi, where she completed her schooling. She pursued a degree in hotel management, which led her to an internship at Taj Bengal, Kolkata, where she met MS Dhoni.
Marriage to MS Dhoni
Sakshi and MS Dhoni’s love story began when they reconnected in Kolkata. They had known each other since childhood, as their fathers worked together in Ranchi. The couple got married on July 4, 2010, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. Their wedding was a significant event, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
Professional Life
Before her marriage, Sakshi worked as an intern at Taj Bengal, Kolkata. Post-marriage, she has been actively involved in various charitable activities and supports MS Dhoni in his business ventures. She is also seen accompanying Dhoni during his cricket tours and public appearances.
Children
- Daughter: Ziva Singh Dhoni
- Born on February 6, 2015, Ziva has become a beloved figure among Dhoni’s fans. She often appears in social media posts and is seen cheering for her father during matches.
Public Appearances and Media Presence
Sakshi Singh Dhoni maintains a relatively low profile but is active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her personal life and family moments. She has a significant following and is admired for her down-to-earth personality and supportive role in Dhoni’s life.
Interests and Hobbies
Sakshi enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is also passionate about animal welfare and often participates in related activities.
MS Dhoni Social Media Accounts
- Instagram: @mahi7781
- Twitter: @msdhoni
- Facebook: @msdofficial
MS Dhoni Lesser-Known Facts
- Early Career: Dhoni initially worked as a ticket collector at Kharagpur railway station.
- Football Enthusiast: Before cricket, Dhoni was a goalkeeper for his school football team.
- Bike Lover: He has a vast collection of motorcycles and is an avid bike enthusiast.
- Military Honor: Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army.
- Biopic: A biographical film titled “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story” was released in 2016.
- Charity Work: Dhoni is involved in various charitable activities and has his own foundation.
- Pet Lover: He has a deep affection for dogs and owns several pets.
- Captain Cool: Known for his calm demeanor, Dhoni is often referred to as “Captain Cool.”
- Helicopter Shot: Dhoni is famous for his unique “helicopter shot” in cricket.
- Business Ventures: He co-owns several sports teams, including Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is MS Dhoni’s full name?
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
- When was MS Dhoni born?
- July 7, 1981.
- What is MS Dhoni’s net worth?
- Approximately $110 million as of 2024.
- Who is MS Dhoni’s wife?
- Sakshi Singh Rawat.
- How many children does MS Dhoni have?
- One daughter, Ziva Dhoni.
- What are MS Dhoni’s notable achievements?
- Winning the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 Cricket World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.
- What is MS Dhoni’s height?
- 5 ft 9 in (175 cm).
- When did MS Dhoni retire from international cricket?
- In 2020.
- What is MS Dhoni’s nickname?
- Mahi, Thala, Captain Cool.
- Which IPL team does MS Dhoni play for?
- Chennai Super Kings.