Hello, Cricket fans! If you love following the Cricket and admire world-class, MS Dhoni is a name you’ll recognize instantly. MS Dhoni is one of the most successful captains and wicketkeeper‑batters in cricket history and a major sports icon in India. He retired from international cricket in 2020 but still leads Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.
MS Dhoni’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
| Nickname | Mahi, Captain Cool, Thala |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years |
| Place of Birth | Ranchi, Jharkhand (formerly Bihar), India |
| Education | DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Ranchi (Schooling); St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi (Commerce – dropout) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Rajput |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
| Weight | 70-75 kg |
| Turned Professional | 2004 |
| Profession | Retired International Cricketer, IPL Captain, Brand Ambassador |
| Current Net Worth | $127-128 million |
| Annual Salary | ₹4 crore |
| Spouse | Sakshi Singh Dhoni |
| Children | 1 daughter – Ziva Singh Dhoni |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Handle | @mahi7781 |
| Instagram Followers | 50 million+ |
Early Career
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s journey to becoming a cricketing legend began unconventionally. Born in 1981 in Ranchi, Dhoni initially aspired to be a footballer rather than a cricketer. It was his school sports coach, Keshav Ranjan Banerjee, who spotted his potential in wicketkeeping during his school days at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir. After securing decent marks in his board exams, Dhoni enrolled at St. Xavier’s College to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree, but he ultimately dropped out to pursue his cricket passion full-time.
His early performances in state-level cricket earned him selection in the Bihar U-19 team in 1998-99. Between 2001 and 2003, Dhoni worked as a ticket collector at Kharagpur Railway Station while continuing to play cricket domestically. His breakthrough came during the 2003-04 season while playing for the East Zone in the Deodhar Trophy, which led to his selection in the India A team tour to Kenya and Zimbabwe in 2004.
Professional Career
Mahendra Singh Dhoni made his international debut in ODI cricket on December 23, 2004, against Bangladesh in Chittagong, where he scored a duck on his first delivery. However, this inauspicious beginning did not dampen his spirit. Just a few matches later, in April 2005, Dhoni announced himself to world cricket with a spectacular 148-run knock against Pakistan in Visakhapatnam off just 123 balls.
This innings showcased his aggressive batting style and fearless approach. He made his Test debut later that year against Sri Lanka and quickly established himself as a reliable batsman and agile wicketkeeper. In 2007, Dhoni was appointed captain of the Indian T20I team for the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup, and under his leadership, India won the tournament, defeating Pakistan in the final.
This victory marked his emergence as “Captain Cool.” He gradually took over full captaincy across all formats and led India to the top of ICC Test rankings in 2009, won the ODI World Cup in 2011 with an iconic six in the final, and captured the Champions Trophy in 2013. During his 16-year international career spanning from 2004 to 2019, Dhoni scored over 17,266 runs across all formats, becoming the first wicketkeeper to accumulate more than 10,000 ODI runs at an average exceeding 50, a remarkable achievement that set him apart.
Wife
MS Dhoni is a devoted family man. He married Sakshi Singh Dhoni on July 4, 2010, at Dehradun. Sakshi was born on November 19, 1988, in Lekhapani, Tinsukia district, Assam, and holds a degree in hotel management from the Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad. The couple was blessed with their daughter Ziva Singh Dhoni on February 6, 2015, during the ICC World Cup. Despite their wealth and fame, Dhoni and Sakshi are known for keeping their family life private and ensuring Ziva has a normal upbringing.
Ziva, who is nine years old as of 2026, has her own Instagram account managed by her parents, with over 2 million followers. The family spends quality time together and often enjoys motorcycle rides, reflecting Dhoni’s passion for bikes. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and support, with Sakshi actively managing the family’s personal affairs while maintaining her privacy away from the spotlight.
MS Dhoni’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, MS Dhoni’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $127-128 million, equivalent to ₹1,050-1,060 crore in Indian rupees. This substantial wealth has accumulated through multiple revenue streams accumulated over decades. His net worth peaked in previous years due to his higher IPL salaries when he earned ₹15 crore per season. However, his recent decision to accept just ₹4 crore from CSK reflects his loyalty to the franchise rather than financial necessity.
The breakdown of his wealth includes earnings from his international cricket career where he accumulated over ₹200 crore in match fees and BCCI contracts. His IPL journey since 2008 has contributed approximately ₹193 crore cumulatively, making him one of the highest-paid players in IPL history. Beyond cricket, Dhoni’s endorsements generate significant income, with reports suggesting he earns between ₹20-22 crore annually from various brand partnerships.
His business ventures, including ownership stakes in Chennaiyin FC (football) and Seven (sportswear brand), along with his SportsFit fitness center chain, contribute substantially to his wealth. Real estate investments across Ranchi, Mumbai, and Pune, including his farmhouse in Ranchi, add considerable value to his asset portfolio. Expert analysts predict his net worth could reach $200 million by 2027, given his strategic investments and continued brand endorsement appeal.
Contract
MS Dhoni continues with his beloved Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League for the 2026 season. He was retained by CSK before the IPL 2025 mega-auction under the uncapped category for ₹4 crore. This retention amount was significantly lower than his previous years, where he earned as much as ₹15 crore per season at his peak (2018-2021). Players retained by CSK receive three-year fixed contracts, meaning Dhoni’s salary remains unchanged at ₹4 crore for IPL 2026.
Notably, when the IPL 2025 auction took place, Dhoni could have entered the open auction and potentially commanded a salary exceeding ₹20 crore, but he chose loyalty to CSK over maximum financial gain. His IPL journey spans 18 years, during which he has captained CSK in 221 matches, achieving 131 victories with a win percentage of 58.84%. Under his leadership, CSK has won five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), tying them with Rohit Sharma‘s Mumbai Indians for the most titles won by any captain. This contract reflects Dhoni’s commitment to finishing his career wearing the iconic yellow jersey.
Career Earnings
| Income Source | Period | Estimated Amount |
| International Cricket (BCCI Contracts & Match Fees) | 2004-2019 | ₹200 crore+ |
| IPL Total Earnings | 2008-2026 | ₹192.84 crore |
| IPL Peak Year (2020-2021) | Per season | ₹15 crore |
| Brand Endorsements (Annual) | Current (2025-26) | ₹20-22 crore |
| Brand Endorsements (Career Total) | 2004-2026 | ₹400 crore+ |
| Business Ventures (SportsFit, Seven, Chennaiyin FC) | Various | ₹250 crore+ |
| Real Estate & Property Assets | Multiple locations | ₹200 crore |
| Social Media & Content Creation | Recent years | ₹50 crore+ |
| Total Career Earnings | 2004-2026 | ₹1,500+ crore |
Endorsements
MS Dhoni stands as India’s biggest brand face with an impressive portfolio of endorsements. As per the TAM AdEx report for 2025, Dhoni is endorsed by 43 major brands, the highest among all Indian celebrities, surpassing Bollywood stars and fellow cricketers. His endorsement visibility on television averaged 22 hours per day across channels. Here’s a selection of his major brand partnerships:
- Banking & Financial Services: SBI, Mastercard India, Navi, AMFI, Enigmatic Smile
- Fitness & Sports: Reebok India, Boost (health drink), Powerade, SportsFit by MS Dhoni, Spartan Sports
- Automotive & E-mobility: Citroën India, TVS, EMotorad
- FMCG & Snacks: Lay’s, Snickers India, Oreo, ITC, Patanjali Foods (Sunrich), Kopiko
- Healthcare: Maxivision Super Specialty Eye Hospital, Neuberg Diagnostics, Kauvery Group of Hospitals
- Technology & Gaming: JioMart, Garena, WinZO, PokerStars, Fire-Boltt (smartwatches), Lava, Oppo
- E-commerce & Services: JioCinema, redBus, Unacademy, GoDaddy, Bharat Matrimony
- Real Estate & Home: G Square Housing, HomeLane, Sumadhura Group
- Insurance & Fintech: Turtlemint, Exide Life Insurance, Navi
- Watches & Luxury: Sonata, Panerai (luxury watches)
- Other Notable Brands: Gulf Oil India, Indigo Paints, Orient Electronics, Siyaram’s (textiles), Zed Black Agarbatti
His endorsement deals reportedly generate between ₹3-6 crore per brand contract, making him one of the most valuable celebrity endorsers in India. The diversity of his endorsements ranges from lifestyle and luxury to mass-market consumer goods, reflecting his universal appeal and trustworthiness across demographic segments.
Career Records
| Record Category | Statistic | Achievement Details |
| ODI Centuries | 10 centuries | Highest ODI score: 183* vs Sri Lanka (2005) |
| Test Centuries | 6 centuries | Highest Test score: 224 vs Australia (2013) |
| Total International Runs | 17,266 runs | 350 ODIs, 90 Tests, 98 T20Is |
| ODI Dismissals (WK) | 444 (321 catches, 123 stumpings) | Most by an Indian wicketkeeper |
| Test Dismissals (WK) | 294 (256 catches, 38 stumpings) | Most by an Indian wicketkeeper |
| International Stumpings | 195 total stumpings | World record across all formats |
| IPL Runs | 5,439 runs | Most by a wicketkeeper in IPL |
| IPL Dismissals | 170 (131 catches, 39 stumpings) | Most by a wicketkeeper in IPL |
| ODI Average | 50.58 | Only wicketkeeper with 10,000+ ODI runs at 50+ average |
| Test Average | 38.09 | Fourth Indian captain with 4,000+ Test runs |
| Captaincy Matches | 332 total matches | 60 Tests, 200 ODIs, 72 T20Is across all formats |
| ODI Match Wins | 110 wins as captain | Second most successful ODI captain after Ricky Ponting |
| IPL Match Wins | 123 wins as captain | 221 IPL matches captained for CSK |
| ICC Trophy Wins | 3 trophies | T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), Champions Trophy (2013) |
| Fastest Stumping | 0.08 seconds | Against West Indies (world record) |
FAQs
1. What is MS Dhoni’s current role in cricket in 2026?
As of 2026, MS Dhoni has completely retired from international cricket, which he announced on August 15, 2020. However, he remains actively involved in professional cricket as the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He continues to play competitive cricket at the highest level, balancing his role as captain with his contributions as a batsman. His involvement is expected to continue through the IPL 2026 season, and he remains an integral part of CSK’s squad.
2. How did MS Dhoni start his cricket career despite being interested in football?
Dhoni’s transition from football to cricket happened when his school cricket coach, Keshav Ranjan Banerjee, recognized his athletic abilities while he was playing as a goalkeeper for his school football team. The coach suggested that Dhoni try wicketkeeping in cricket, seeing potential in his reflexes and quick decision-making. This single recommendation changed the trajectory of his life. Dhoni quickly adapted to cricket and excelled at wicketkeeping, eventually getting selected for domestic cricket teams before making his international debut.
3. What makes MS Dhoni’s batting style unique in world cricket?
MS Dhoni revolutionized the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman by being one of the first to combine exceptional glovework with aggressive, match-winning batting. His signature shot, the “helicopter shot,” where he uses a helicopter-like bat swing to lift balls over the fielders, became iconic. He was also known for his ability to finish matches, staying calm under pressure and delivering decisive blows at crucial moments. His batting style emphasized unconventional shots, fearless approach against quality bowlers, and an uncanny ability to read match situations, making him a game-changer rather than just a supporting player.
4. How many children does MS Dhoni have, and what are their names?
MS Dhoni has one child with his wife Sakshi Dhoni—a daughter named Ziva Singh Dhoni, born on February 6, 2015. Ziva was born during the ICC World Cup 2015, when Dhoni was on duty with the Indian national team. The couple has been very protective of their daughter’s privacy, ensuring she grows up away from excessive media attention despite her famous parents. Ziva has her own Instagram account with over 2 million followers, managed by her parents.
5. What is MS Dhoni’s educational background, and why did he drop out of college?
MS Dhoni completed his school education at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi, where he secured 66% in his matriculation exams. He initially enrolled at Gossener College through the sports quota to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1999 but never attended classes due to his demanding cricket schedule. Later, in 2008, he enrolled again at St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, for the same degree but never completed it, as he prioritized his cricket career. His educational journey reflects his unwavering focus on cricket over conventional academics.
6. How many brand endorsements does MS Dhoni currently have in 2026?
As per the latest TAM AdEx report, MS Dhoni is associated with 43 major brand endorsements, making him the highest-endorsed celebrity in India in 2025. His endorsements span across multiple sectors including FMCG, banking, automotive, healthcare, technology, real estate, and luxury goods. He earns an estimated ₹20-22 crore annually from brand endorsements alone. His appeal across diverse demographics makes him an attractive choice for companies targeting both urban and tier-2 markets in India.
7. What was MS Dhoni’s role in winning the 2011 Cricket World Cup?
MS Dhoni captained India to victory in the 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup, one of cricket’s greatest achievements. His leadership was instrumental in guiding India through the tournament with smart tactical decisions and maintaining calm under pressure. In the final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Dhoni played a match-winning unbeaten 91 off 79 balls, including the iconic six that sealed India’s victory after a 28-year gap since their last World Cup win in 1983. This moment cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest captains and made him a national hero.
8. What are MS Dhoni’s major achievements as a wicketkeeper?
MS Dhoni holds numerous wicketkeeping records, including 444 dismissals in ODIs (321 catches, 123 stumpings), the most by an Indian wicketkeeper. He also holds 294 Test dismissals and 195 international stumpings across all formats—a world record. His fastest stumping was completed in just 0.08 seconds against West Indies. He was the first Indian wicketkeeper to surpass 4,000 Test runs and the first to score a double-ton in Test cricket. His agility, quick reflexes, and exceptional glovework set new standards for wicketkeeper performances.
9. Why did MS Dhoni choose to accept a lower IPL salary of ₹4 crore instead of entering the auction?
MS Dhoni’s decision to accept ₹4 crore from CSK for IPL 2026, significantly lower than the ₹15 crore he earned at his peak, reflects his deep loyalty and emotional connection to Chennai Super Kings. He has been associated with CSK since 2008 and has led them to five IPL titles. In the 2025 auction, he could have commanded a salary exceeding ₹20 crore from other franchises, but he chose to prioritize his legacy with CSK over maximum financial returns. This decision showcases his values and commitment to finishing his career with the franchise he helped build.
10. What is MS Dhoni’s current net worth in 2026, and how did he accumulate his wealth?
MS Dhoni’s estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $127-128 million, equivalent to ₹1,050-1,060 crore. His wealth comes from multiple sources: international cricket earnings (₹200+ crore), IPL contracts (₹192.84 crore cumulatively), brand endorsements (₹400+ crore career total, ₹20-22 crore annually), business ventures including Chennaiyin FC ownership and Seven sportswear brand (₹250 crore), and real estate investments in Ranchi, Mumbai, and Pune (₹200 crore). His diverse income streams and smart investment decisions have made him one of India’s wealthiest cricketers, with financial analysts projecting his net worth could exceed $200 million by 2027.