Mahendra Singh Dhoni, commonly known as MS Dhoni, is a name that resonates with millions of cricket fans across the globe. His journey from a small town in India to becoming one of the most iconic figures in world cricket is nothing short of inspirational.
Age: 43 Years
Date of birth: July 7, 1981
Birth place: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Net worth: 111 million
Weight: 75-80 kg
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
Early Life and Background
Date of Birth and Age
MS Dhoni was born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Jharkhand (which was previously part of Bihar). His birth name was Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and he is commonly referred to as Mahi by fans and close friends. As of 2024, Dhoni is 43 years old, which places him in the middle of his post-retirement years, although his influence and connection to the game remain strong.
Family Background
Dhoni’s family hails from a modest background, and he grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged his early sporting interests. His father, Devaki Devi, was a homemaker, while his mother, Pan Singh, played an instrumental role in nurturing him during his childhood. MS Dhoni’s parents were supportive of his sports aspirations, even though they had no prior background in professional sports.
Dhoni’s father, Devaki Devi, worked in the Indian Railways in a low-ranking position, while his mother, Pan Singh, took care of the household. Dhoni’s roots are deeply tied to his small-town upbringing, and his family’s dedication to education and sports paved the way for his future achievements.
Siblings and Personal Life
MS Dhoni has an older sister named Jayanti Gupta, who is married and leads a private life away from the limelight. His younger brother, Narendra Singh Dhoni, is a politician by profession and has served in the Indian army.
Dhoni’s personal life has also been a subject of much curiosity for fans. On July 4, 2010, he married Sakshi Singh Rawat, his childhood friend, in a private ceremony in Dehradun. Sakshi was born on November 19, 1988, and was a classmate of Dhoni at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi. They had known each other for several years before tying the knot. Together, they have a daughter, Ziva Dhoni, born on February 6, 2015. Ziva has become a social media sensation, often seen accompanying her father at matches and events, garnering immense fan support.
Cricket Career: A Meteoric Rise
MS Dhoni’s journey to becoming one of the most successful cricketers in the world is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Early Days in Cricket
Dhoni’s cricketing journey began when he was a schoolboy, playing for his school and local teams. Initially, he was a goalkeeper in football, and his love for the sport translated well into his agility behind the stumps in cricket. He made his mark in local cricket leagues and soon rose to prominence in the under-19 team.
Dhoni made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar in 1999–2000. He played for the Bihar team before the state was divided, and Jharkhand became a separate entity. His excellent performances led to him being selected for the India A team, where he gained recognition for his batting and wicketkeeping skills.
Breakthrough in International Cricket
Dhoni’s career breakthrough came in 2004, when he made his debut for the Indian national team in an ODI against Bangladesh. Despite a rather quiet debut, he showed his potential with a swashbuckling knock against Pakistan in 2005, where he scored a quick-fire 148 runs. This innings helped establish him as a power-hitter with the potential to dominate bowling attacks. His remarkable ability to stay calm under pressure, coupled with his strong finishers’ mindset, made him a standout player.
Captaincy and Achievements
In 2007, Dhoni was appointed as the captain of the Indian team for the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa. Under his leadership, India emerged victorious, winning the tournament and cementing Dhoni’s reputation as a leader with the Midas touch. Dhoni’s approach to captaincy was revolutionary; he introduced a cool-headed, aggressive, and calm demeanor on the field that endeared him to players and fans alike.
Dhoni went on to lead India to greater heights in various formats, most notably in ODIs and Tests. His leadership saw India becoming the number one ranked team in Test cricket in 2009, and he led the team to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, breaking a 28-year-long drought for India. This was perhaps Dhoni’s finest achievement, and his match-winning knock in the final (91* runs) remains etched in the hearts of cricket fans.
In addition to the World Cup win, Dhoni also led India to victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, making him the first captain in history to win all three major ICC tournaments.
IPL and Chennai Super Kings
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni has been the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since its inception in 2008. Under his leadership, CSK has become one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history, winning multiple titles and making it to the playoffs consistently.
Dhoni’s performances in the IPL have been instrumental in his rise to superstardom. Known for his finishing ability and tactical acumen, he is widely regarded as one of the best T20 captains in history. He has led CSK to four IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021), making CSK one of the most successful teams in the league.
Retirement and Post-Retirement Life
Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket in December 2014 and stepped down as the captain of the limited-overs team in 2017. He continued to play in limited-overs formats, with his final match for India coming in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Although he retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, his contribution to the game is still celebrated worldwide. Even post-retirement, Dhoni remains active in the IPL, where he continues to lead CSK.
Influence and Legacy
MS Dhoni’s legacy goes beyond the records and victories. He has become an iconic figure in cricket, known for his leadership, calm demeanor, and unmatched finishing abilities. He is often referred to as the “Captain Cool” because of his unflappable nature under pressure. Dhoni revolutionized wicketkeeping in limited-overs cricket with his lightning-fast stumpings and innovative techniques. He remains a role model for cricketers and sports enthusiasts alike.
Net Worth and Endorsements
MS Dhoni’s Net Worth
MS Dhoni’s financial success matches his on-field achievements. As of 2024, Dhoni’s estimated net worth stands at around $110 million (₹900 crores). His income primarily comes from his cricketing career, brand endorsements, and business ventures.
Cricket Earnings
Dhoni’s cricket earnings come from his playing contracts with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his IPL salary, and various other cricket-related activities. He has been one of the highest-paid cricketers globally, earning millions from his playing contracts.
In the IPL, Dhoni has received lucrative salaries over the years, and his consistent performances for CSK have kept him as one of the highest earners in the league. His base salary from the IPL alone is estimated to be around ₹15-20 crores ($2-$3 million) per year.
Brand Endorsements
MS Dhoni has been a magnet for brand endorsements and has collaborated with numerous global and Indian brands. He has served as the face of brands such as Reebok, Pepsi, Samsung, and Nestle, among others. His association with these brands has made him one of the most marketable cricketers in the world. It is estimated that Dhoni earns more from endorsements than from cricket.
Business Ventures
Apart from cricket and endorsements, Dhoni is also a successful businessman. He owns stakes in various ventures, including a football team (Chennaiyin FC), a sports management company, and even a gaming company. His business acumen has allowed him to diversify his income streams.
Personal Assets
MS Dhoni has a luxurious lifestyle, and his assets reflect his success. He owns several properties, including a sprawling mansion in Ranchi, which is equipped with a vast collection of bikes (Dhoni is known to be a bike enthusiast). He also owns a private jet, which adds to his luxurious lifestyle.
Conclusion
MS Dhoni’s journey from a small town in Ranchi to becoming one of the most celebrated and influential cricketers in the world is a story of grit, determination, and success. His leadership, combined with his on-field brilliance and off-field persona, has made him a global icon. At 43 years old, Dhoni’s contributions to Indian cricket remain unmatched, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of cricketers.
From his family background to his cricketing career and beyond, Dhoni’s story is one of triumph and humility. His impressive net worth of around ₹900 crores ($110 million) reflects not just his cricketing success, but also his business ventures and brand appeal. As he continues to be a guiding figure in the world of cricket, MS Dhoni’s journey remains an incredible chapter in the history of the sport.