Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni, a legend and one of the most successful captains cricket has ever seen, is known for his numerous on-field heroics for India. While his achievements on the pitch are widely celebrated, Dhoni, even at the peak of his playing career at 37, possessed a keen business mind.
Like other cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, Dhoni understood the importance of financial security beyond his playing days. This foresight led him to make significant investments, ensuring his future is secure even after his inevitable retirement from international cricket, a day many fans still dread.
MS Dhoni is known for his smart business moves beyond the cricket field. With IPL 2024 around the corner, let's have a look at some of Dhoni's business ventures.
1. Seven
Dhoni wasn't just offered a brand ambassador role for Seven, a footwear brand launched in February 2016. He became a part-owner, specifically of the footwear section. This strategic move showed his business sense.
2. SportsFit
Dhoni's dedication to fitness is well-known. It's no surprise that he has also invested in the gym industry. Dhoni owns over 200 gyms across India under the name SportsFit World Pvt. Ltd.
3. Chennaiyin FC
MS Dhoni, though well known for his cricket career, wasn't always on the cricket pitch. In fact, he started out as a goalkeeper for his school football team. While his professional football dreams didn't come true, his love for the sport continues. Dhoni now owns a football team, Chennaiyin FC, in the Indian Super League. Interestingly, he's not the only cricketer to be a football team owner in this high-profile league. Sachin Tendulkar co-owns Kerala Blasters, and current Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has a stake in Goa FC.
4. Ranchi Rays
Cricket isn't MS Dhoni's only sporting passion. The Indian cricket legend is part owner of a hockey team! He co-owns the Ranchi Rays, a franchise based in Jharkhand that competes in the Hockey India League (HIL). The Ranchi Rays actually started out as a different team, the Ranchi Rhinos, who even won the HIL championship in 2015.
5.Mahi Racing Team India
Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known for his cricketing roots in Ranchi, has another passion – motorcycle racing. He even owns a team competing in the prestigious Supersport World Championship, called Mahi Racing Team India. This team ownership isn't a solo venture, as Telugu film star Akkineni Nagarjuna is also part of the ownership group. Dhoni's love for bikes extends beyond the race track, as he is known to own a collection of high-end motorcycles.
6. Rhiti Group
A retired Indian cricket captain, who also owns part of Rhiti Sports, a sports marketing and management company, has big names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Faf du Plessis, and Mohit Sharma on their client list.
7. Khatabook
Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni has been making waves in the investment world alongside his successful sporting career. Recently, Dhoni became involved with the Bangalore-based startup Khatabook. Not only did he invest an undisclosed amount in the company, but he also took on the role of brand ambassador. Khatabook, which has reportedly raised 29 million USD so far, is a mobile app that simplifies accounting and record-keeping for small businesses across India.
8. 7InkBrews
Dhoni's investment ventures extend beyond fintech. He also became a shareholder in the Mumbai-based food and beverage startup, 7InkBrews. Founded by Mohit Bhagchandani, 7InkBrews recently launched a new product line featuring artisanal chocolates and beverages. The chocolates, interestingly, are branded under the name Copter7, a clever nod to Dhoni's iconic helicopter shot and his jersey number.
9. Hotel Mahi Residency
Under the radar of MS Dhoni's business ventures lies Hotel Mahi Residency, a hidden gem in Ranchi, Jharkhand. This hotel, solely owned by Dhoni, offers a unique stay option for fans who might not be aware of his hospitality foray.
10. 10. Organic farming
MS Dhoni isn't just interested in cricket and brand endorsements. He's also dedicated to organic farming. On his 43-acre farmhouse near Ranchi, Dhoni uses about 10 acres for organic agriculture. This isn't just any farm though, it's a luxurious one that produces a variety of fruits and vegetables. From strawberries and cabbage to tomatoes, broccoli, peas, and even papaya, Dhoni's farm offers a wide range of fresh, organic produce.
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