Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a name synonymous with Indian cricket, needs no introduction. His legendary career and calm demeanor have earned him immense respect and admiration worldwide. This comprehensive biography delves into his life, both on and off the field.
Wiki/Biography
Born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Jharkhand (then Bihar), Mahendra Singh Dhoni hails from a middle-class Rajput family. He completed his schooling at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Ranchi. He pursued a bachelor’s degree at St. Xavier College, Ranchi, but didn’t complete his graduation. His cricketing journey began early, showcasing talent in school and college tournaments, eventually becoming a local star.
Physical Appearance
Dhoni’s striking features include:
- Height: 175 cm or 5’9″
- Weight: 75 Kg or 165 lbs
- Chest Size: 42 inches
- Waist Size: 32 inches
- Biceps Size: 14 inches
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
His father, Pan Singh, worked at MECON, and his mother is Devki Devi. He’s the youngest of three siblings. His sister is Jayanti Gupta, and his elder brother, Narendra Singh Dhoni, is a politician. His family, especially his father and sister, provided unwavering support for his cricketing aspirations.
Wife & Children
Dhoni married Sakshi Singh Rawat (Sakshi Dhoni) on July 4, 2010, after a long courtship. They have a daughter, Ziva.
Caste
Dhoni belongs to the Khas Rajput community, predominantly found in Uttarakhand and Nepal. Known for their physique, they were often recruited into the armies of hill Rajas.
Relationships & Girlfriend
Before Sakshi, Dhoni was in a relationship with Priyanka Jha, who passed away in 2002. He later dated South Indian actress Lakshmi Rai.
Career
Dhoni’s path to the Indian cricket team was challenging. Initially a goalkeeper in a local football team, he was noticed by cricket coach K.R. Banerjee. He played numerous local tournaments before joining the Bihar team in 1998. Despite his talent, he didn’t immediately make the national team. He worked as a ticket collector at Kharagpur railway station (2001-2003) while continuing his cricket. His ODI debut was on December 23, 2004, against Bangladesh. He quickly progressed, making his Test and T20 debuts in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Appointed captain in 2007, he led India to unprecedented success, including victories in the T20 World Cup 2007, World Cup 2011, and Champions Trophy 2013. Under his leadership, India also became the No. 1 Test team.
Dhoni’s captaincy extended to the IPL, where he led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for many seasons, winning multiple titles. He stepped down from CSK captaincy in March 2022, naming Ravindra Jadeja as his successor. However, CSK, under Dhoni’s continued influence, won the IPL 2023.
Entertainment
Beyond cricket, Dhoni ventured into entertainment, producing a documentary web series, “Roar of the Lion,” and other content under his banner, MS Dhoni Entertainment. He also expanded into film production in South Indian languages.
Records
Dhoni holds numerous remarkable records, including:
- Most centuries at No.7 in ODIs.
- Most sixes as captain in international cricket.
- Most stumpings in international cricket.
- Highest score (183*) by a wicket-keeper batsman in ODIs.
- And many more impressive achievements.
Awards/Achievements
His accolades are numerous, spanning national awards like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan, along with various other prestigious recognitions.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna | 2007 |
| Padma Shri | 2009 |
| Padma Bhushan | 2018 |
| ICC ODI Player of the Year | 2008, 2009 |
Retirement
Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, via Instagram.
Controversies
Dhoni’s career wasn’t without controversy, facing accusations ranging from water wastage to tax evasion and involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal.
Favourites
Dhoni’s preferences reveal his diverse interests, from his favourite cricketers and grounds to actors, musicians, and more.
Style/Quotient
Cars Collection
Dhoni’s impressive car collection boasts a range of luxury vehicles, including vintage cars and modern SUVs.
Bikes Collection
A passionate biker, Dhoni owns a substantial collection of both classic and high-performance motorcycles.
Salary/Net Worth
Dhoni’s substantial net worth reflects his successful cricketing career and various business ventures.
Facts
Numerous interesting facts highlight Dhoni’s life beyond the field, including his academic achievements, personal relationships, and philanthropic activities.
