MS Dhoni: The Honorary Soldier
While 'Captain Cool' is known for his calm leadership on the field, Mahendra Singh Dhoni nurtures a deep-seated passion for the armed forces. In 2011, he was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. This isn't just
a ceremonial title; Dhoni has taken his duties seriously. He is a qualified paratrooper, having completed five parachute jumps from an Indian Army aircraft. In 2019, he took a break from cricket to serve with his 106 TA Battalion (Para) in Jammu and Kashmir, undertaking duties like patrolling and guard duty alongside other soldiers. His commitment reflects a side of him that values discipline and service to the nation, fulfilling a childhood dream he had of joining the army.
Virat Kohli: The Business Magnate
Virat Kohli's aggression is not just reserved for the cricket pitch; he applies the same drive to his expansive business empire. Beyond his massive endorsement deals, Kohli is a savvy entrepreneur and investor. He co-created the lifestyle brand One8 with Puma and owns the popular youth fashion brand Wrogn. His investment portfolio is remarkably diverse, showing a keen eye for emerging trends. He has invested in a wide range of startups, including plant-based meat company Blue Tribe, FMCG brand Rage Coffee, and the wellness tech company Hyperice. Kohli's business ventures show a strategic mind at work, building a formidable brand that extends far beyond his cricketing legacy.
Anil Kumble: The Wildlife Photographer
Anil Kumble, the legendary leg-spinner who terrorised batsmen with his precision, has a much quieter and more artistic passion: wildlife photography. A self-taught photographer, Kumble's interest was sparked during a tour of South Africa in 1992. Since then, he has become a serious practitioner of the craft, often visiting national parks like Kabini and Tadoba with his camera. He is known for his patience in waiting for the perfect shot, whether it's a majestic tiger or a rare bird. His passion is so profound that he published a coffee table book of his photographs titled 'Wide Angle' in 2010. This hobby reveals a contemplative and patient side to the fierce competitor fans knew on the field.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Restaurateur
For a period in the 2000s, the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, ventured into the world of hospitality, aiming to translate his on-field success into the restaurant business. In partnership with hotelier Sanjay Narang, he launched an upscale eatery in Mumbai called 'Tendulkar's' in 2002. This was followed by a more casual sports cafe named 'Sachin's', which opened in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The menus featured some of the cricketer's favourite dishes. While the ventures generated significant buzz initially, they ultimately did not achieve long-term success and were shut down by 2007. This chapter of his life offers a fascinating glimpse into his ambition to connect with fans through a different medium: food.
Rahul Dravid: The Quiet Mentor
Rahul Dravid's reputation as 'The Wall' was built on discipline, technique, and a selfless attitude. He has carried these exact qualities into his post-playing career, but not just as a coach—as a dedicated mentor. Long before he became head coach of the senior team, Dravid shaped the future of Indian cricket by mentoring the India U-19 and India A squads. He guided the U-19 team to a World Cup title in 2018, fostering talents like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. His philosophy focuses on developing well-rounded individuals, instilling mental fortitude and a strong work ethic. His time as a mentor for the Rajasthan Royals also helped shape his coaching style, where he focused on creating a culture where young players could thrive without fear.
