MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain of the Indian cricket team, has always maintained a certain level of distance from the world of social media.
Despite his immense popularity and being one of the most recognisable names in global cricket, Dhoni has consistently kept his personal life private and remained unaffected by the online frenzy that many modern-day sports stars are part of.
Dhoni, now 43, is preparing for his 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a milestone that highlights his enduring presence in the sport.
While the world around him is increasingly driven by social media and the constant pressure to stay visible online, Dhoni has always believed that a player’s performance on the field should be the only thing that matters.
He feels that if a player consistently performs well, there should be no need for public relations efforts to maintain their relevance.
Dhoni’s career began in 2004, a time when social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram were not yet the giants they are today. As these platforms gained traction over the years, Dhoni’s managers repeatedly advised him to use them for promotional purposes and to connect with fans.
However, Dhoni remained firm in his conviction that his focus should solely be on cricket, and that his achievements on the field would be enough to sustain his fame.
“I have never been a big fan of social media. Throughout, I have had so many managers and all of them keep pushing. I started playing in 2004; Twitter got popular later on, after which Instagram came in. All the managers told me, ‘you should do some PR, build this and build that’. I had the same answer that if you play good cricket, you don’t need PR,” Dhoni shared during an appearance on Eurogrip Tred Talks.
This philosophy of letting his cricketing achievements speak for themselves has shaped Dhoni’s public persona. Known for his calm and composed nature, Dhoni has always preferred to focus on the game, rather than the spotlight that comes with it.
His approach resonates with many fans who appreciate his grounded and humble attitude. Despite his popularity, Dhoni has never craved the attention that many modern athletes seem to seek.
Dhoni’s cricketing journey is nothing short of legendary. Despite a rocky start with a duck on his debut in 2004 against Bangladesh, he quickly rose to become one of India’s most successful captains.
Under his leadership, India won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, followed by the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. These victories etched Dhoni’s name into the annals of cricket history.
In 2014, Dhoni retired from Test cricket after the Melbourne Test, marking a significant shift in his career. He then continued to lead India in limited-overs formats until his retirement from international cricket in August 2020.
However, Dhoni’s love for the game hasn’t waned, and he remains a key figure in the IPL, where he has played for Chennai Super Kings. His participation in the 2024-2025 IPL season will mark his 18th edition, further solidifying his legacy in the tournament.
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