You’ve seen MS Dhoni finish matches. You’ve seen him lift trophies. But here’s the side of Captain Cool that many people don’t know.
1. Dhoni, the Bollywood Actor
Not many know that MS Dhoni made a cameo appearance in Hook Ya Crook, starring John Abraham, Genelia D’Souza and Kay Kay Menon. Although the film was completed, it was never released, making Dhoni’s Bollywood debut one that fans never got to see.
2. He Once Drank Six Litres of Milk a Day
Dhoni’s diet was once as extraordinary as his batting. He revealed in 2008 that he used to drink nearly six litres of milk every day before reducing it to one litre because of rising milk prices.
3. A Gamer at Heart
Whether it’s PUBG or Candy Crush, Dhoni enjoys gaming during his free time. He has often been spotted playing games on his phone and iPad while travelling, proving that Captain Cool is also a gaming enthusiast.
4. Farming Is His Favourite Hobby
Away from stadiums, Dhoni loves spending time on his organic farm in Ranchi. From driving tractors to sowing seeds and harvesting crops, he actively participates in farming and often shares glimpses of it online.
5. Football Was His First Love
Before cricket entered his life, Dhoni was the goalkeeper of his school football team. His impressive reflexes caught the attention of his coach, who encouraged him to become a wicketkeeper—a decision that changed Indian cricket forever.
6. Lieutenant Colonel and Trained Paratrooper
In 2011, Dhoni was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Four years later, he completed parachute training and became a qualified paratrooper after successfully performing five jumps.
7. IPL’s First Mega Star
When the IPL began in 2008, Chennai Super Kings signed Dhoni for ₹9.5 crore, making him the most expensive player of the inaugural auction. Over the years, he has earned around ₹176 crore from the tournament.
8. Decorated With India’s Highest Honours
Apart from winning ICC trophies, Dhoni has received some of the country’s biggest civilian and sporting honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
9. He Invested in Football and Hockey
Dhoni’s love for sports extends beyond cricket. He is the co-owner of Indian Super League club Chennaiyin FC alongside Abhishek Bachchan and also co-owned Ranchi Rays, a franchise in the Hockey India League.
10. Captain Cool Beyond Cricket
Whether it’s acting, gaming, farming, serving the nation or investing in other sports, Dhoni has built a life far beyond cricket, making him one of India’s most fascinating sporting icons.
