A Passion for Petrol and Pistons
Long before he was lifting World Cups, MS Dhoni was known for his love of motorcycles. His collection is the stuff of legend, featuring everything from vintage classics to modern superbikes. His garage reportedly houses over 100 bikes, including rare
machines like the Confederate Hellcat X132, of which he is said to be the only owner in South East Asia. Other prized possessions include the roaring Kawasaki Ninja H2, a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, and the classic Yamaha RD350. It’s not just two-wheelers; his car collection is equally impressive, boasting powerful SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and a Hummer H2, alongside a classic Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. This collection isn't just for show; Dhoni is often spotted riding his bikes around his hometown of Ranchi, truly living his passion for speed and engineering.
Serving the Nation: The Indian Army
Dhoni's respect and admiration for the Indian Army is well-documented and deeply felt. In 2011, he was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army's Parachute Regiment. This wasn't just a symbolic title for him. Dhoni took his role seriously, undergoing rigorous training to earn his paratrooper wings in 2015 after completing five parachute jumps. In 2019, he took a two-month break from cricket to serve with his battalion in Jammu and Kashmir, undertaking duties like patrolling and guard duty, and staying with the troops. His commitment demonstrates a profound love for the armed forces, a passion that goes far beyond celebrity endorsement into active and respectful participation.
Back to the Roots: Organic Farming
In recent years, Dhoni has embraced a quieter, more grounded passion: organic farming. At his sprawling 43-acre farmhouse in Ranchi, he has dedicated a significant portion of the land to cultivating fruits and vegetables. Using organic methods, he grows produce like tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries, and broccoli. This venture has become more than just a hobby. The produce from his farm, known for its quality, is in high demand in local markets. There have even been reports of plans to export his vegetables to places like Dubai. Beyond crops, Dhoni has also ventured into animal husbandry and poultry, raising cows and the famed Kadaknath chickens, known for their black meat. This return to the land showcases a different side of the cricketer, one focused on sustainability and nature.
A Man's Best Friends: His Pack of Dogs
Anyone who follows MS Dhoni or his wife Sakshi on social media knows about their deep affection for dogs. The Dhoni farmhouse is home to a lively pack of canine companions. The family includes several breeds, such as a Belgian Malinois named Sam, White Huskies, and a Dutch Shepherd. Dhoni is an 'absolute pet-lover' and has often shared pictures and videos of him playing with his dogs, who have free run of the expansive property. Over the years, he has also adopted stray puppies, further cementing his reputation as a genuine animal lover. His love for his pets provides a glimpse into his gentle and caring nature off the field.
His First Love: The Beautiful Game
Before cricket took over his life, MS Dhoni's first sporting love was football. In his school days, he was a goalkeeper, and it was his games teacher who suggested he try wicket-keeping, seeing the similar skills required. His love for the game has never faded. He is a known fan of Manchester United and has often been seen playing football during practice sessions with the Indian cricket team or in charity matches. Even during his breaks from cricket, he has been spotted playing full 90-minute matches with local clubs in his hometown. This enduring passion for football highlights his natural athleticism and a love for sports that extends beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch.
