Who is MS Dhoni? Know About His Relationships, Family, Career, Stats and More

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, or as he is popularly called, MS Dhoni, is a dynamic right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper who became the backbone of India’s middle order and is widely regarded as one of the most successful captains in cricket history. Rising through the ranks from domestic cricket in Jharkhand, Dhoni made his mark internationally with a memorable 183* against Sri Lanka in 2005, announcing himself as a world-class finisher and aggressive batsman. He is the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Dhoni has scored 10 ODI centuries, with a top score of 183*. One of his standout knocks was an unbeaten 91* in the 2011 World Cup final, where he famously sealed India’s victory with a six. In his last outing as captain, Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title in 2023, further cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest leaders and finishers.

MS Dhoni Biography

MS Dhoni, born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, India, is a 5ft 9in tall right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman. He represented the Indian national team and currently captains the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. A DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir alumnus, he is married and has an approximate net worth of 5 million.

MS Dhoni Religion & Caste

MS Dhoni belongs to the Hindu religion and is of Rajput ethnicity. He was born in Ranchi, India, and grew up in a Hindu family, reflecting the majority faith of the region. There is no public information available about his specific caste.

MS Dhoni Family

MS Dhoni family was a middle-class family from Ranchi, India. His parents, Pan Singh and Devaki Devi were the backbone behind his cricketing ambitions from an early age, supporting his decision to pursue sports despite initial expectations for a more conventional career path.

MS Dhoni Father

MS Dhoni’s father, Pan Singh, worked for MECON (Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants India) and has been a steady source of encouragement throughout Dhoni’s journey. He played a key role in nurturing MS Dhoni’s early interest in sports, providing the stability and guidance that allowed Dhoni to focus on cricket.

MS Dhoni Mother

MS Dhoni’s mother, Devaki Devi, has always stood by him, offering unwavering emotional support and motivation. Her encouragement, alongside that of her husband, was instrumental in helping Dhoni overcome challenges and focus on his cricket career from a young age.

MS Dhoni Brother

MS Dhoni has an elder brother named Narendra Singh Dhoni. Narendra has maintained a low profile and has largely stayed away from the limelight, pursuing his own career outside of cricket. The two brothers have occasionally been seen together at family functions, but Narendra has not been involved in the cricketing world.

MS Dhoni Sister

MS Dhoni also has an elder sister named Jayanti Gupta. She has been a supportive presence in Dhoni’s life, encouraging him throughout his cricketing journey. Jayanti, along with the rest of the family, has celebrated many of Dhoni’s major milestones and achievements.

MS Dhoni Instagram

MS Dhoni is active on Instagram (@mahi7781), where he shares updates about his cricket career, personal moments, and interests off the field. He is followed by millions of fans, and his account serves as a platform for supporters to keep up with his life and achievements.

MS Dhoni Twitter

On Twitter, MS Dhoni (@msdhoni) engages with cricket fans by sharing match highlights, team updates, and personal reflections. Although Dhoni is known for being relatively private on social media, his account serves as a platform for real-time interaction during tournaments and provides insights into his professional journey and achievements.

MS Dhoni Facebook

MS Dhoni maintains an active presence on Facebook, where he shares updates about his cricket career, training sessions, and personal moments. His official page has millions of followers and is verified, serving as a key channel for fans to connect with the cricketing legend.

MS Dhoni Jersey Number

MS Dhoni famously wore the jersey number 7 throughout his international career and IPL tenure with Chennai Super Kings. He chose No. 7 because he was born on the 7th of July, the seventh month, and 8-1 (from his birth year 1981) equals 7, making it a deeply personal number. In December 2023, the BCCI officially retired the No. 7 jersey in his honour, ensuring no future Indian player will wear it in international cricket. Despite retiring from international cricket, Dhoni continues to don the No. 7 jersey for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

MS Dhoni Relationships

Before marrying Sakshi Singh Rawat, MS Dhoni’s relationship history attracted significant media attention, though he always maintained privacy about his personal life. His first serious relationship was with Priyanka Jha, whom he met in his early 20s. Tragically, Priyanka passed away in a car accident in 2006, leaving a deep impact on Dhoni. He was later linked to Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone in 2007, with rumours fueled by public appearances, though both denied dating. Dhoni also reportedly dated South Indian actress Raai Laxmi briefly in 2009, as well as TV producer Preeti Simoes and actress Asin, but none of these relationships became public or long-term.

MS Dhoni Wife

MS Dhoni wife, Sakshi Singh Rawat’s love story, feels like something straight out of a movie. The two tied the knot on July 4, 2010, in an intimate ceremony in Dehradun that caught everyone by surprise. Sakshi, a hotel management graduate, first crossed paths with Dhoni during her internship at the Taj Bengal Hotel in Kolkata.

Sakshi has been more than just Dhoni’s life partner, she’s been his biggest cheerleader, both on and off the field. The couple welcomed their daughter, Ziva, in 2015. Whether it’s cheering from the stands or sharing adorable family moments on social media, Sakshi is often seen bringing out the softer, more personal side of the former Indian captain. Their journey together is as heartwarming as Dhoni’s six to win the World Cup.

MS Dhoni Net Worth & Salary

MS Dhoni net worth is estimated at approximately $125 million (₹1,000–₹1,040 crore) as of 2025. His primary earnings come from his ongoing IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings, where he was retained for ₹4 crore in IPL 2025, and from his extensive brand endorsements, which include over 70 brands such as Dream11, GoDaddy, Gulf Oil, and Orient Fans. Dhoni also generates significant income from business ventures, including his lifestyle brand SEVEN, ownership stakes in Chennaiyin FC (football) and Ranchi Rays (hockey), and investments in real estate and start-ups. His annual income is reported to be over ₹50 crore, though exact salary details are not officially disclosed. Dhoni’s wealth is further boosted by his production company, Dhoni Entertainment, and various sponsorships.

MS Dhoni Career

If you’ve followed cricket even a little, you know MS Dhoni is more than just a name, he’s a legacy. Across 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is, Dhoni scored over 17,000 international runs, with 16 centuries and 108 fifties to his name. He’s the only captain to win all three ICC trophies. The 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. And in the IPL? 5,439 runs and five titles with CSK.

International Career

MS Dhoni made his international debut in ODIs against Bangladesh in December 2004, his Test debut against Sri Lanka in December 2005, and his T20I debut in December 2006. Being one of India’s most iconic cricketers, he showcased remarkable consistency across all formats. In Tests (2005–2014), he scored 4,876 runs in 90 matches with six centuries, averaging 38.09. His ODI career (2004–2019) was even more stellar. In his entire ODI career, he has scored 10,773 runs in 350 matches at an average of 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 fifties. In T20Is (2006–2019), Dhoni added 1,617 runs at a strike rate of 126.13. Known for his calmness under pressure, he finished games with unmatched precision. Across formats, he hit 1,486 fours and 359 sixes, leaving behind a legacy defined by leadership, grit, and finishing prowess.

IPL Career

MS Dhoni career in IPL is nothing short of legendary. Since the inaugural season in 2008, he has been the face of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), building not just a team but a cult-like following. Known as “Thala” to his fans, Dhoni has played 278 IPL matches, scoring 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45. Though he hasn’t scored a century, his 24 fifties and countless finishing acts have been instrumental in CSK’s dominance. Under his captaincy, CSK has won five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. These victories have made them one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. In 2024, he played his 250th IPL match for the franchise and passed on the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad, symbolising a graceful transition of leadership. Yet, Dhoni’s presence on the field remains electrifying. Whether it’s a no-look run-out, a late flourish with the bat, or just his iconic glove-punch celebrations.

MS Dhoni Achievements & Awards

When you talk about legends in cricket, it’s impossible not to think of MS Dhoni. Cool, calm, and composed, Dhoni wasn’t just a captain. He was a game-changer in every sense. He’s the only skipper in the world to have led India to all three major ICC trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the unforgettable 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. And remember when India became No. 1 in Test cricket back in 2009? Yep, that was under his watch, too. With the bat, he was a finisher like no other, scoring over 10,000 ODI runs at an average that stayed above 50. Behind the stumps, he is lightning-fast, with the most international stumpings to his name. And let’s not forget his legacy with Chennai Super Kings, the five-time IPL champions under his captaincy. From Padma Shri to Padma Bhushan and ICC awards, Dhoni’s cabinet is as full as our hearts are. Here’s a concise overview of his major career highlights: