Eight Things you Did Not Know About MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, one of the most loved Indian cricketers, has a lot more than meets the eye. From being a boy next door, he has gone to achieve everything possible leading the Indian team to the pinnacle of success.

He also has three ICC titles to his name along with two World Cup trophies and one Champions Trophy. A biopic was made on the phenomenal man in 2016 that helped us understand Dhoni and his journey a little better.

However, there remain a few facts about our favourite player that very few people are aware of.

Here are the eight interesting facts about one of the glorious figures of Indian cricket:

A Passionate Dog Lover

In 2013, he adopted a stray pup from the Hope and Animal Trust Ranchi, whose image he tweeted. Dhoni also ended up giving the sweet puppy two names- Leah in English and Liya in Hindi!

Dhoni along with Sakshi have frequently been found petting guard dogs at the stadiums. The couple are known to adopt street dogs.

Earlier in 2018, MSD posted a cute video of taking a morning walk with his pack of dogs and also named Sam to be his favourite pet among the lot.

First captain to win all three ICC limited overs trophies

Captain Cool had won all the ICC trophies as a captain in his career. He took over the reins of the Indian limited-overs team back in 2007 at a young age of 26 years, and from thereon, he’s led India to the pinnacle of glory.

In 2013, when India won the Champions Trophy in England, Dhoni became the first captain to claim the record of having captained a side to all three major ICC limited overs trophies.

He won the World T20 in 2007, the ICC World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013).

MSD holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel

Dhoni has always expressed his desire to serve his country via the army after bidding adieu to cricket.

As a result, the Indian Territorial Army conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to him on 1 November 2011. Meanwhile, only Kapil Dev had this honour before Dhoni.

Moreover, it was in this prestigious uniform that Dhoni chose to receive the Padma Bhushan.

Dhoni has a good friend in Bipasha Basu

Not many know that Dhoni is very close friends with Bollywood actress, Bipasha Basu. Reportedly, his ties with Basu goes back to the time when she had been dating John Abraham.

In fact, Bipasha Basu was one of the few people to be in the know of the relationship between Dhoni and his wife, Sakshi from the budding days of their romance.

When the couple decided to marry, it was Basu who confirmed they decided on it after thinking a lot.

MSD’s guilty pleasure is chicken butter masala

Although the current Indian cricket team has a strict diet to follow, Dhoni isn’t without his share of guilty pleasures when it comes to food.

In an interview, Dhoni revealed he is a foodie at heart, and his favourite dishes include chicken butter masala, kebabs and chicken tikka pizza.

For desserts, the wicket-keeper wouldn’t say no to a good gajar ka halwa and kheer while milk is his favourite beverage.

Dhoni has the third highest dismissals as wicket-keeper in world cricket

MS Dhoni keeps getting better and better behind the gloves on along with his age. In a combined tally of most dismissals behind the stumps in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, Dhoni comes third only behind Mark Boucher (998) and Adam Gilchrist (905).

Dhoni, in contrast, has 778 dismissals to his name, out of which 602 are catches while 176 are stumpings.

In addition to his nimble skills with the gloves, Dhoni’s reflexes behind the stumps is a treat to watch.

Only Shah Rukh Khan has more endorsements than MS Dhoni

Captain Cool is second on the list of most number of endorsement behind Shah Rukh Khan. Apart from owning a lifestyle chain called SEVEN, Dhoni has 20 endorsements in his bag.

Back in 2015, he was even ranked 23rd on the list of the Top 100 paid athletes around the world.

Currently, Dhoni represents some of the biggest names in the market, including Orient Fans, Pepsi, Reebok and Net Meds.

Although many were sceptical of the former Indian skipper being able to maintain his brand value after stepping down from captaincy, Dhoni has surprised one and all.

Dhoni’s net worth is currently around $111

Currently, MS Dhoni’s net worth is estimated to be near about a staggering $111 million! Apart from a handful of endorsements, the 36-year old has made some very profitable business investments too.

Apart from owning the footwear section of his lifestyle brand SEVEN, Dhoni is the co-owner of several eminent sporting teams.

These include Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, the Mahi Racing Team India in Supersport World Championship and the Ranchi Rays, who play in Hockey India League.