MS Dhoni was one of the important pillars in the history of Indian cricket. Under his captaincy, India reached greater heights and became a formidable force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Apart from being a cricketing hero, he is a local hero in his hometown of Ranchi.
MS Dhoni has played a significant role in putting Ranchi on the global map and continues to contribute to the development of cricket infrastructure in the region. Let’s now take a look at the nine lesser-known facts about MS Dhoni.
1. MS Dhoni wasn’t just a cricket prodigy; he was also an accomplished football goalkeeper during his school days. He was selected to represent his district in football at the regional level.
2. Before making a mark in international cricket, Dhoni worked as a Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Kharagpur Railway Station. This period of his life is often seen as a testament to his humble beginnings.
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3. While most people know him as MS Dhoni, his friends and close ones affectionately call him ‘Mahi.’ The nickname has become so popular that it is now synonymous with the cricketing legend.
4. Dhoni is an avid bike enthusiast. He has a notable collection of motorcycles, including some vintage models. His love for bikes is so profound that he even co-owns a racing team.
5. MS Dhoni is credited with popularizing the ‘helicopter shot,’ a unique and powerful batting stroke. This iconic shot involves a combination of wristwork and timing, and Dhoni’s mastery of it has left fans in awe over the years.
6. While Dhoni is known for his calm and composed demeanour on the field, he also has a ‘cool’ collection off the field. He is an avid collector of bikes, and cars, and also owns several properties.
7. Dhoni has numerous captaincy records to his name, one of the most impressive being the only captain to win all three ICC limited-overs trophies namely the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
8. Beyond the cricket field, Dhoni has a soft spot for dogs. He is known to be a dog lover and has several pet dogs. His love for animals is evident in his social media posts where he occasionally shares pictures with his furry friends.
9. In 2011, Dhoni was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. He underwent a two-week training with the parachute regiment, displaying his commitment to serving the nation beyond the cricket field.
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