MS Dhoni Birthday, Know Everything About Thala Here

On July 7th, 2025, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain, celebrates his 44th birthday, admired for his enduring charisma and unwavering passion for the sport. Despite his age, Dhoni’s recent performances with the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 showcased his ongoing prowess on the cricket field.

Renowned for his strategic leadership, exceptional finishing abilities, and composed demeanor in critical moments, Dhoni has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket and the sport globally. From his early days as a stylish batsman from Jharkhand with long hair, Dhoni quickly rose to become one of cricket’s most iconic figures, celebrated for his numerous achievements.

Debuting for India in 2004, Dhoni impressed with his fearless batting style. However, it was his captaincy that truly defined his career, revealing a new dimension of his personality that resonated with fans throughout his tenure.

On his special day, let us learn more about MS Dhoni.

MS Dhoni Birthday

MS Dhoni remains one of cricket’s most iconic figures. As India’s most successful captain, he clinched three ICC trophies and five IPL titles, alongside two Asia Cup victories. Even after retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni’s popularity continues to soar.

Nicknamed ‘Captain Cool,’ he celebrates his 44th birthday today (July 7). Fans and celebrities worldwide are extending their wishes to the former India captain.

MS Dhoni Biography

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, often referred to as MS Dhoni, is a renowned former Indian cricketer who has retired from international matches. He holds the unique distinction of being the only captain in cricket history to lead his team to victory in all ICC tournaments.

MS Dhoni Early Life

MS Dhoni, born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi (now in Jharkhand), hails from a Hindu Rajput family. His father, Pan Singh, originally from Uttarakhand’s Almora district, moved to Ranchi for work at MECON. Dhoni grew up with his sister Jayanti Gupta and brother Narendra Singh Dhoni.

He attended DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi, where he excelled in sports like badminton, football (as a goalkeeper), and cricket. Known for his wicket-keeping skills, Dhoni impressed at Commando Cricket Club and played in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-16 Championship during 1997-98.

After finishing school, Dhoni focused on cricket. From 2001 to 2003, he worked as a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Kharagpur Railway Station in West Bengal.

MS Dhoni Personal Life

Before marrying his schoolmate Sakshi Singh Rawat, MS Dhoni was romantically involved with Priyanka Jha, whom he met in his early twenties while striving to join the Indian cricket team in 2002. Tragically, Priyanka passed away in an accident that same year. Dhoni also had a relationship with South Indian actress Lakshmi Rai.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni eventually married Sakshi Singh Rawat, his school friend from DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, on July 4, 2010. Sakshi was pursuing a hotel management course at Taj Bengal in Kolkata as a trainee during their marriage.

On February 6, 2015, the couple welcomed their daughter Ziva while Dhoni was in Australia preparing for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Despite the timing, Dhoni remained focused on his cricket commitments, stating, “I am on national duty, other things can wait.”

MS Dhoni Career

In 1998, MS Dhoni began his cricket journey with the Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL) team after playing for school and club teams. His talent for big hits in the Sheesh Mahal tournament caught the eye of Deval Sahay, earning him Rs 50 per six. Sahay’s support helped CCL advance to the A division, leading to Dhoni’s selection in Bihar’s senior Ranji Team at just 18.

Despite initial misses in junior squads, Dhoni’s rise continued through strong performances for Jharkhand and East Zone, catching the attention of national selectors.

Notably, Dhoni’s breakout came during a Zimbabwe-Kenya tour with India A, where his wicketkeeping prowess and batting skills shone. His highlight was an unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka in 2005, marking a turning point in his international career. Subsequent standout performances, including a record-breaking 148 against Pakistan, cemented his place in India’s ODI squad.

Dhoni’s leadership journey began in 2007 with his elevation as India’s T20 captain, leading to iconic victories like the 2011 World Cup. His career saw milestones such as becoming the first captain to secure all ICC trophies and setting records like 100 stumpings in ODIs. Despite criticisms and challenges, Dhoni’s legacy as a match-winner and cricket icon remains unparalleled.

MS Dhoni Playing Style

MS Dhoni, renowned for his right-handed batting and wicket-keeping, initially gained fame for his aggressive lower-order style before adapting to a more responsible approach as captain. Known for his exceptional running between wickets, he’s beloved for his signature Helicopter Shot, learned from childhood friend Santosh Lal.

Beyond his batting prowess, Dhoni is lauded for his expert wicket-keeping skills, particularly his lightning-fast stumpings, setting a world record for the most stumpings by any wicket-keeper. Occasionally, he contributes as a medium-fast bowler for the Indian Cricket team.

Also Check: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli Surpasses MS Dhoni in All-Time League Sixes

MS Dhoni Cricket Records

MS Dhoni’s cricket career is marked by numerous records and milestones across all formats:

Test Cricket:

1. Under Dhoni’s captaincy in 2009, India became the top-ranked Test team for the first time.
2. He holds the record for the most Test wins by an Indian captain, with 27 victories.
3. Dhoni also has the most overseas Test defeats (15) among Indian captains.
4. He was the first Indian wicket-keeper to score 4,000 Test runs.
5. Dhoni’s 224 against Australia is the highest score by a wicket-keeper-captain and the third-highest by an Indian captain.
6. His maiden Test century against Pakistan remains the fastest by an Indian wicket-keeper and fourth overall.
7. Dhoni completed 50 sixes as Test captain.
8. With 294 dismissals, he tops the all-time list for dismissals by Indian wicket-keepers.
9. He shares the record for most dismissals in an innings (6) with Syed Kirmani.
10. Dhoni also holds the record for 9 dismissals in a match by an Indian wicket-keeper.

ODI Cricket:

1. Dhoni is the third Indian and first Indian captain to win 100 ODI matches.
2. He became the fourth Indian cricketer to reach 10,000 ODI runs and the second wicket-keeper to achieve this milestone.
3. With a career average over 50, Dhoni was the first player to score 10,000 ODI runs.
4. Among players with over 5,000 runs, he has the fifth-highest batting average and the second-highest among those with over 10,000 runs (51.09).
5. Dhoni holds the record for the most runs scored at number 6 in ODI history (4031).
6. He is the only cricketer to score centuries while batting at number 7 in ODIs (2 centuries).
7. Dhoni has 82 not outs in ODIs.
8. His unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka is the highest score by a wicket-keeper.
9. His 113 against Pakistan is the highest by a captain batting at number 7.
10. Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar hold India’s highest eighth-wicket partnership in ODIs.
11. He has the most unbeaten innings and the highest average among batsmen in ODI run-chases.
12. Dhoni played the most ODI matches as both captain and wicket-keeper.
13. He holds the records for most dismissals in an innings (6) and career (432) by an Indian wicket-keeper.
14. Dhoni has the most stumpings by a wicket-keeper in ODI history (120).
15. He was the first Indian and fourth wicket-keeper worldwide to take 300 ODI catches.

T20I Cricket:

1. Dhoni holds the record for the most wins as T20I captain (41).
2. He played the most matches as both captain and wicket-keeper in T20Is (72).
3. Dhoni had the most consecutive T20I innings without a duck (84).
4. He played the most T20I innings (76).
5. Dhoni holds the records for most dismissals (87), catches (54), and stumpings (33) by a wicket-keeper in T20Is.
6. He also has the record for the most catches by a wicket-keeper in a T20I innings (5).

Combined Records:

1. Dhoni played the most international matches as captain (332).
2. He is the first and only wicket-keeper to date to effect 150 stumping dismissals across all three forms of the game (161).

MS Dhoni’s career is a testament to his exceptional skills, leadership, and enduring impact on Indian cricket across formats.

MS Dhoni Net Worth

In 2012, Forbes magazine recognized MS Dhoni among the world’s highest-earning sportspeople. Apart from cricket, Dhoni has diversified his interests, owning a hotel called ‘Mahi Residency’ in Ranchi. His financial success extends to being India’s highest taxpayer among sportspersons from 2012 to 2014. According to various reports, his net worth is estimated to be around US$103 million.

MS Dhoni Awards

MS Dhoni’s illustrious career has been decorated with numerous awards and recognitions:

• In 2018, he was honored with India’s third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan.
• In 2009, he received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• For the years 2007-2008, Dhoni was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor.
• He was named ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009.
• Dhoni was part of the ICC World ODI XI from 2006 to 2014.
• He was included in the ICC World Test XI in 2009, 2010, and 2013.
• In 2011, he received the Castrol Indian Cricketer of the Year award.
• Dhoni was titled MTV Youth Icon of the Year in 2006.
• He won the LG People’s Choice Award in 2013.
• In August 2011, Dhoni was awarded an honorary doctorate from De Montfort University.

Also Check: 20 Interesting Facts About Virat Kohli You Should Know

MS Dhoni Birthday FAQs

Q.1. Who is MS Dhoni?
Ans. MS Dhoni is a former Indian cricketer and captain known for his exceptional leadership and cricketing skills.

Q.2. What are MS Dhoni’s notable achievements?
Ans. Dhoni is the only captain to lead India to victory in all ICC tournaments and holds multiple cricket records.

Q.3. What awards has MS Dhoni received?
Ans. He has received awards like the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and ICC Player of the Year honors.

Q.4. What is MS Dhoni’s net worth?
Ans. Dhoni’s net worth is estimated at around US$103 million, including earnings from cricket and business ventures.

Q.5. How did MS Dhoni contribute to Indian cricket?
Ans. Dhoni revolutionized Indian cricket with his strategic acumen, finishing abilities, and iconic leadership style.