MS Dhoni Biography: Career, Achievements, Family & Controversies

MS Dhoni Biography: The legendary Captain MS Dhoni is one of the most successful captains across the globe. He is known for his coolness and ability to handle pressure at crucial times. Under his captaincy, India has won three ICC trophies.

MS Dhoni Biography

Biography: Mahendra Singh Dhoni or as he is commonly known as MS Dhoni is an Indian cricketer who represents India on the International stage. On the domestic level, Dhoni plays first-class cricket for Jharkhand.

MS Dhoni Family 

The biography Started: Dhoni was born on 7 July 1981 in Ranchi, Bihar (now in Jharkhand). He was raised in a Hindu Rajput family. His parents belonged to the village of Lwali is in the Lamgara block of Almora District, Uttarakhand. Dhoni’s father, Pan Singh worked in junior management positions in MECON.

Dhoni has a sister named Jayanti Gupta and a brother named Narendra Singh Dhoni. On 4 July 2010, Dhoni got married to his schoolmate from DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Sakshi Singh Rawat. The couple gave birth to a beautiful girl on 6 February 2015 and named her Ziva.

MS Dhoni in Indian Military

MS Dhoni is a qualified paratrooper in the Indian army after he completed five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircraft in the Agra training camp in 2019.

MS Dhoni – Career

In 1995, he joined the Commando cricket club and stood behind the stumps for them for the next three years. He was then picked for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-16 Championship in the 1997/98 season and performed well.

In 1998, Dhoni started to play for the Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL) team. During his time at the CCL, Deval Sahay would gift him fifty rupees for every 6 that he scored in Sheesh Mahal tournament cricket games. Sahay then pushed for Dhoni’s selection in the Bihar team.

Domestic Career

Dhoni was selected in 1998 by Deval Sahay to play for the Central CoalFields Limited (CCL) team. This was the first time that Dhoni stepped into professional cricket. Dhoni showed exceptional talent which impressed Deval Sahay who used his contacts in Bihar Cricket Association to push for his selection in the Bihar team.

Dhoni debuted for the senior Bihar Ranji Team for the 1999–2000 season. He was also included in the Bihar U-19 squad for the 1998–99 season where he scored 176 runs in 7 innings from 5 matches.

Dhoni however was not picked for the East Zone U-19 squad (CK Nayudu Trophy) or the Rest of India squad (MA Chidambaram Trophy and Vinoo Mankad Trophy). Dhoni made the first-class debut in Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar in the 1999–2000 season. He was just eighteen years old at that moment.

After playing Ranji Trophy for over three years, Dhoni was picked over international cricketer Deep Dasgupta to represent East Zone. It was then that Dhoni stepped into the limelight. Dhoni was scouted by BCCI’s small-town talent-spotting initiative TRDW and discovered by TRDO Prakash Poddar.

Dhoni was selected for India A squad for a tour of Zimbabwe and Kenya. His performances on that tour earned him the attention of the likes of Sourav Ganguly and Ravi Shastri.

IPL Career

The Chennai Super Kings contracted Dhoni’s services for US$1.5 million in IPL’s inaugural season in 2008. He was the most expensive player in the IPL for the first season auctions.

Dhoni captained Chennai Super Kings to victory in 2010 and 2011, 2018 and 2021 Indian Premier League titles, and the 2010 and 2014 Champions League T20 titles.

After the CSK was banned for two years, Dhoni was subsequently bought by Rising Pune Supergiant for US$1.9 Million in 2016. He was the captain that year but after his team finished in 7th place Steven Smith replaced him.

• MS Dhoni’s CSK reached the final for a record 8th time in 2019 but was stopped by a resurgent Mumbai Indians side which won the final by a whisker.
• Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, in IPL 2021 final CSK beat KKR by 27 runs and won the trophy for the fourth time.
• MS Dhoni’s side had a poor run during the IPL 2022 season where they won only 4 matches out of 14 group stage matches and completed as second last in the table.
• During the IPL 2023 season, Chennai Super Kings claimed the fifth title in the IPL beating Gujarat Titans in the finals. Dhoni led the side to victory in 8 matches out of 14 group stage matches.
• Just before the start of the IPL 2024 season, MS Dhoni stepped down from captaincy and Ruturaj Gaikwad was named as CSK captain.

MS Dhoni International Career

ODI Career

Dhoni arrived on the international stage when the Indian ODI team was struggling to find its Wicketkeeper-Batsman. We saw Rahul Dravid in the 2000s and then the arrival of wicket-keeper/batsman from the junior ranks such as Parthiv Patel and Dinesh Karthik.

But they didn’t fit the team combination well. Then came Dhoni, who was picked for the ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour in 2004/05.

Dhoni had the most disastrous start to a career that anyone can ever ask for. Getting run out for a duck on debut is the last thing you want. But, despite ordinary performances in his inaugural series against the Bangladesh cricket team, Dhoni was selected for the series against Pakistan. ‘

Dhoni scored his first century in his fifth one-day international. He scored 148 in Visakhapatnam off only 123 deliveries. Thus began the Dhoni era.

His last ODI inning came against New Zealand in the 2019 WC Semifinal where he ended his ODI journey in the same way he started–with a runout. Although there were speculations that MSD would stage a comeback after the 2020 IPL, the unforeseeable circumstances due to COVID-19 ensured that MS Dhoni played his last international game without any farewell.

Dhoni in World Cup Tournaments:

MS Dhoni has featured in four World Cups, 2 as a captain. Under his captaincy, India lifted the World Cup in 2011 and reached the semifinals in 2015.

2007 ICC Cricket World Cup:

Owing to good performances in the middle order as well as behind the stumps, MSD was selected for the World Cup in the Caribbean. India had a disappointing campaign as they lost two of the three group games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Dhoni had horrible innings as he got out duck in both the games. The team, including Dhoni, was highly criticized for their performances. Around 200 fans attacked Dhoni’s under-construction home in Ranchi after the Bangladesh loss.

2011 ICC Cricket World Cup

By the 2011 WC, Dhoni was the captain of all three Tests, T20I, and ODI’s. Dhoni’s major contribution with the bat came in the finals against Sri Lanka. Chasing 275 at the Wankhede, Dhoni promoted himself up the order after Sachin, Sehwag, and  Virat Kohli lost their wickets early.

Dhoni and Gambir then built a steady partnership to stabilize the Indian innings. Dhoni had scored 60 from 60 balls, after which started accelerating. He scored the winning six of Numan Kulaeskara, a shot which no one will forget, and won the Man of the Match award.

Dhoni’s crucial decision to promote himself up the order to put off Muralitharan’s spin threat and right-hand-left-hand combo showed why he was one of India’s best captains.

2015 ICC Cricket World Cup 

Under Dhoni’s captaincy in the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, the Men in Blue were able to reach the semi-finals with comfort, beating Bangladesh in the quarter-finals. However, they went on to lose to hosts Australia in the semi-finals at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

India had won 7 consecutive matches in this World Cup and won 11 straight games overall in World Cups. After beating Bangladesh, MSD became the first non-Australian captain to win 100 ODI matches, and the first Indian captain to hold the record.

He scored 237 runs in 6 matches with an average of 59.25. His 45* and 85* against West Indies and Zimbabwe helped India on the road to the semi-finals. He scored 65 against Australia in the semis but was not able to prevent the Aussies to run over India on their way to glory.

2019 ICC Cricket World Cup

Dhoni played his last World Cup at the age of 38. This time around, he was India’s wicketkeeper leading into the tournament. Despite his handy knocks against South Africa, Australia, and West Indies, MSD was primarily criticized for his strike rate and ‘lack of intent’.

In the semis against New Zealand, Dhoni scored a fighting half-century and built a promising partnership with Ravinder Jadeja after the top-order fell. It looked like India were on their way to the final. But, Dhoni got runout at a crucial stage, breaking a billion dreams.

Test Career

Dhoni’s performances in ODIs against Sri Lanka opened the doors for Test Cricket for him. Dhoni replaced Dinesh Karthik in December 2005 and was the last man standing in his 30-run journey in his debut test innings.

Dhoni went on to score his maiden half-century in the second Test. He was very aggressive with it too, as the half-century came off 51 balls. We witnessed Dhoni in making who was soon going to lead India to the number 1 spot in Tests.

T20 International Career

MSD has been a part of the Indian T20 team from the start. He was one of the 11 players to play India’s first-ever T20 international match against South Africa in 2006. Despite his duck, a lucky India won the match. However, when they faced the Proteas in the 2007 ICC T20 Championships, Dhoni scored 45 as India won the match.

Since then Dhoni went on to lead the Indian team in the inaugural T20 championships and various T20 international victories. Apart from his role as a wicketkeeper-captain, he played an important role as a finisher for India in T20s.

T20 World Cups

Just before the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007, MS Dhoni was named to lead the team. India ended up lifting the trophy. Apart from his role as a captain, MSD played an essential role in the middle order as a finishing batsman. His innings in the semi-finals against Australia helped India to a 15-run victory and a place in the finals.

While he was unable to push India to a satisfying target. MSD’s captainship and cool-headedness in the final over led India to a victory against Pakistan in the final. Dhoni also played an important role in India’s run to the final of the 2014 T20 World Championships. He was declared in the Team of the tournament.

Last ball in a T20 game at the Chinnaswamy, two runs needed, MS Dhoni in the thick of things … and a run-out!

The OG edition 😉 #WT20 #Dhoni #RCBvCSK #IPL pic.twitter.com/mPMG42IS1X

— ICC (@ICC) April 22, 2019

MS Dhoni Double Century

MSD has one double century which came in the first test against Australia at Chennai. He scored 224 runs as India posted 572 on the scoreboard. India won the match by 8 wickets. In the match, Mahi broke three records.

He posted the third-highest score by an Indian captain, the highest Test score by an Indian wicket-keeper, and the highest score by a wicket-keeper-captain.

MS Dhoni Retirement

MS Dhoni who bags all three ICC trophies for Team India announced his retirement on August 15, 2020. Dhoni is expected to play the T20 WC which is scheduled post-IPL 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IPL 2020 has been rescheduled to play between September and November 2020.

Without any prior announcement, Dhoni followed by Suresh Raina announced their retirement earlier to play IPL 2020. Though MSD retired from ODI, Tests, and T20 his love towards CSK remains in peak. Where he confirms to continue his career in the yellow jersey.

MS Dhoni In other fields

Ownership

• MS Dhoni is the co-owner of Ranchi Rays (Ranchi-based Hockey Club) along with the Sahara India Pariwar. Ranchi Rays is a franchise of the Hockey India League.
• Along with Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani, MS Dhoni is the co-owner of Chennaiyin FC (Chennai-based football club). It is a franchise of the Indian Super League.
• Along with Akkineni Nagarjuna, Dhoni is the co-owner of the Supersport World Championship team, Mahi Racing Team India.

Business

In February 2016, Dhoni launched his brand ‘SEVEN’. He owns the footwear of the brand is the brand ambassador of his company.

Production House

MS Dhoni has a production house named ‘Dhoni Entertainment’. The first show produced under this banner was a documentary web series that premiered on Hotstar– Roar of the Lion. The series had MS Dhoni himself in the lead role.

Territorial Army

In 2011, MS Dhoni was conferred the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Indian Territorial Army for his contribution to cricket. In August 2019, he completed a two-week stint with the Army in Jammu and Kashmir region.

MS Dhoni Cars and Bikes Collection

Cars Collection

MS Dhoni has a collection of cars including Mahindra Scorpio, Maruti SX4, Hummer H2, Toyota Corolla, Land Rover Freelander, GMC Sierra, Mitsubishi Pajero Sfx, Mitsubishi Out Lander, Porsche 911, Audi Q7 SUV, Ferrari 599, Jeep Grand Cherokee

MS Dhoni bought a vintage Land Rover Series 3 Station Wagon in an auction held by Big Boy Toyz.

Bikes Collection

MS Dhoni who is a great admirer of bikes has an outstanding bike collection. Which includes Kawasaki Ninja H2, Confederate Hellcat, BSA, Suzuki Hayabusa, a Norton Vintage, Hero Karizma ZMR, Yamaha Rxz, Yamaha Thundercat, Yamaha Rx, Ducati 1098, Yamaha Rd 350, TVS Apache, Kawasaki zx14r Ninja, Confederate Hellcat X 132, Harley Davidson Fat boy, Enfield Machismo, Customized Tvs Dirt bike.

MS Dhoni: Net Worth

In 2012, Forbes magazine ranked Dhoni as one of the world’s top-earning sportspersons. Dhoni owns a hotel in Ranchi named ‘Mahi Residency’. He also became the highest taxpayer sportsperson in India for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014. As per several sources, his net worth is approximately US$103 million.

MS Dhoni: Controversies

• In the year 2007, Dhoni’s locality was undergoing a water crisis. Amid this, 40 residents of his locality filed a plea against Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA) for wasting 15,000 liters of water in M.S. Dhoni’s home in the daily maintenance of the swimming pool.
• He was involved in another controversy over tax evasion. His bike Hummer H2 was mistakenly registered as a Mahindra Scorpio, the charge of registering which is Rs.53,000 instead of the Rs.4 lakhs that the Hummer H2 required.
• During the 2013 IPL spot-fixing, Dhoni’s name emerged as he was in contact with Gurunath Meiyappan, who was named in the betting charge sheet.
• In 2016, Dhoni resigned as the brand ambassador of Amrapali Real Estate Group after the residents from one of its units faced logistical issues and started a social media campaign.

MS Dhoni Records 

Tests

• MSD led India to number 1 in the test ranking for the first time ever in 2009.
• Dhoni remains the most successful Indian Test captain with 27 Test wins.
• He is the first Indian wicket-keeper to score 4,000 test runs.
• Dhoni’s 224 against Australia is the third-highest score by an Indian captain, the highest Test score by an Indian wicket-keeper, and the highest score by a wicket-keeper–captain.
• Dhoni’s century against Pakistan (148) is the fastest century scored by an Indian wicket-keeper and fourth overall.
• With 294 dismissals in his career, Dhoni tops the all-time dismissals list by Indian wicket-keepers.
• Dhoni has the most stumpings (38) to his name by any wicket-keeper in tests.
• He holds the record for most scalps in an innings (6) and a match (9) by an Indian wicket-keeper.
• Dhoni is the third captain overall to win 100 games.

ODI and T20s

• MS Dhoni is the fourth Indian to reach the 10,000 ODI runs milestone and only the second wicket-keeper to achieve the feat.
• The first player to cross 10,000 runs in ODI cricket with a career average of over 50.
• Dhoni has the most number of career runs in ODI batting at number 6.
• The only player to score a century in ODI cricket when batting at number 7 or lower
• Most not-outs (82) in ODIs.
• First Indian and fifth overall to hit 200 sixes in ODIs
• Dhoni’s 183* against Sri Lanka in 2005 is the highest score by a wicket-keeper.
• MSD’s 113 against Pakistan in Chennai in 2012 is the highest by a captain batting at number 7
• India’s highest eighth-wicket partnership in ODIs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar
• MSD has the record for playing the most matches in ODI history as the captain while also serving as a wicketkeeper (200).
• Most dismissals in an innings (6) and career (432) by an Indian wicket-keeper.
• Dhoni has managed to have the most stumpings (120) by any wicket-keeper in an ODI career
• First Indian wicket-keeper to have the distinction of taking 300 ODI catches and the fourth wicket-keeper overall in the world to achieve the feat.
• Dhoni has the most wins in T20Is as captain
• He also has played the most matches as captain in T20Is
• MSD has played the most matches in T20 International history as both captain and wicket-keeper
• Most consecutive T20I innings without a duck (84)
• Dhoni holds the record for featuring in the most T20I innings (76) and scored the most runs (1,153) before scoring a fifty.
• Most dismissals as wicket-keeper in T20Is (87)
• He has the most catches as a wicket-keeper in T20Is (54)
• Dhoni has the most stumpings as a wicket-keeper in T20Is (33)
• Most catches as keeper in a T20I innings

MS Dhoni: Awards and Accolades

National honours 

• 2018: Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
• 2009: Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• 2007−08: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest honor given for achievement in sports.

 Sporting honours 

• ICC ODI Player of the Year: 2008, 2009
• The ICC World ODI XI: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 (captain in 2009, 2011-2014)
• ICC World Test XI: 2009, 2010, 2013
• Castrol Indian Cricketer of the Year: 2011

Other honors and awards 

• MTV Youth Icon of the Year: 2006
• LG People’s Choice Award: 2013
• Honorary doctorate from De Montfort University in August 2011

MS Dhoni Stats

MS Dhoni Batting Stats

MS Dhoni Bowling Stats

Watch: Top 5 MS Dhoni’s On-field Conversation Caught On Stump Mic