MS Dhoni officially certified as drone pilot

• MS Dhoni completes drone pilot training, certified by Garuda Aerospace.
• Dhoni retained by Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025 at Rs 4 crore.
• IPL future uncertain after CSK's poor performance; retirement unconfirmed.

Legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is set to become a pilot. The 44-year-old cricketer from Ranchi, who played for India from December 2004 to July 2019, has completed

his drone pilot training at the company’s DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) in Chennai.

After completing the rigorous training program, Dhoni is now certified to fly drones, highlighting their potential to transform India’s growth story. The training is a critical step toward promoting certified and safe drone operations, combining theoretical ground classes with intensive practical flying sessions on simulators and actual drones.

Speaking about Dhoni’s achievement, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, “Having our brand ambassador and investor, MS Dhoni, personally undergo the training and get certified as a pilot is a monumental milestone for us. He picked it up very quickly and was extremely focused on learning. His unwavering belief in our mission to revolutionise the drone industry is a massive source of encouragement for the entire team. Mahi Bhai is an inspiration, and his hands-on approach further validates our commitment to excellence and to fostering a culture of skill and innovation in this sector.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni expressed that he has successfully completed his DGCA Drone Pilot Certification Programme with Garuda Aerospace.

Dhoni to play in IPL 2026?

Dhoni, who is the most capped player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, was retained for Rs 4 crore by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. He played all 14 league matches for the Chennai-based franchise in the world’s richest franchise cricket league this year and even led the side after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament on April 10 due to injury.

But despite Dhoni’s return to captaincy, CSK failed to produce desired results and, for the first time ever, finished at the bottom of the points table.

It was expected that Dhoni would retire from the IPL after the end of the 2025 edition, but he did not make any formal announcement, which has now raised the possibility of him playing in the IPL next year as well.