Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, often known for his calm demeanour on the field, showcased his softer side in a heartwarming moment that has gone viral. The 42-year-old cricketer was recently seen playing with a dog in Ranchi, a clip that quickly made its rounds on social media, much to the delight of his fans.
Dhoni, who landed in his hometown Ranchi on Wednesday morning, wasted no time after arriving at the city’s airport. After a quick trip home, the cricket icon was seen spending quality time outdoors with a dog, though reports indicate the dog isn’t his own.
Here is the video:
Despite that, Dhoni seemed perfectly at ease, showcasing his natural affection for animals. The video of this playful interaction spread rapidly, reminding everyone of Dhoni’s deep connection with pets, which he has often shared publicly.
Earlier this month, Dhoni was vacationing in the United States with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva. It’s well-known that the former Indian skipper enjoys frequent visits to the U.S., particularly New Jersey, where he spends time with a close friend.
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In a previous conversation, Dhoni mentioned his love for these trips, which allow him to relax and unwind. "Doing nothing, only playing golf and eating food" was how he described his favourite way to spend time in America, a testament to his laid-back personality off the field.
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2019, has since limited his on-field appearances to the Indian Premier League, where he captained the Chennai Super Kings. He handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, possibly marking the end of his illustrious career with the franchise. However, there’s been no official word from Dhoni on whether he plans to return for one more season.
CSK’s management has expressed their desire to have Dhoni continue with the team, even if just as a middle-order batter, hoping to retain his leadership and experience for one more season. For now, though, fans are enjoying seeing Dhoni in a relaxed and joyful setting, whether it's on the cricket field or in moments like these with a furry friend.