MS Dhoni has so many endorsements to his name, it would take him quite a while to recall and recite the name of each one. That is if he could recall them all. Dhoni enjoys rock-star levels of popularity in India. His image is highly sought after, so much so that even he has occasion to be surprised when he sees a product endorsed by him. The surprise comes when the endorsement is without his knowledge.When marketers are so bent on using your image, and when you are open to exploring the opportunities available, it is inevitable that you'll have to deal with your share of controversy. Here is a look at 5 instances when MS Dhoni's endorsements caused controversy and got him in trouble
#1 Mc Dowells spoofing Harbhajan Singh
When alcohol is involved, things usually go south soon. In case of this endorsement, one has to wonder if the team behind creating the concept was slightly inebriated at the time.
#2 God of big deals
A 2013 Business Today magazine cover has caused far reaching consequences. It depicted Dhoni as Lord Vishnu, the God of Big Deals. The magazine cover caused uproar, and warrants were issued in Dhoni's name. Social worker Jayakumar Hiremath alleged that Dhoni had hurt religious sentiments.
#3 Hundreds of protesters crowd Dhoni\'s hotel
The Chennai Super Kings were set to play against the Rajasthan Royals at MA Chidambaram stadium in the 4th IPL when Pasumai Thayagam, an affiliate of Pattali Makkal Katchi in Tamil Nadu, created a protest against the Indian team captain.
#4 Mysore Soap
Ironically, a product which personifies a clean image, ended up tarnishing Dhoni’s image. Back in 2008, MS Dhoni faced a legal notice from the state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd.
Dhoni was representing the brand from 2006. He had signed a two year deal, but he had failed to live up to the obligations mentioned in the deal. Dhoni had to set aside 10 days to the KSDL company, but he managed to provide just three days.
The KSDL sued Dhoni for 40 lakhs. The original deal was for Rs 84.85 lacs, which saw an early termination after Dhoni failed to deliver.
#5 Conflict of interest as Indian captain
All of Dhoni's endorsements are handled by Rhiti Sports Management Private Limited. The company also represents Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina, in addition to taking care of marketing of the Chennai Super Kings.
For a period of about a month, MS Dhoni owned 30,000 shares of Rhiti Sports of Rs 10 each. This caused a major conflict of interest.
Dhoni being the captain of the Indian team, with a voice in the selection of the players, was also part owner of a company which managed certain players and their endorsements.
Soon as this came to light, Rhiti Sports backtracked and removed Dhoni from a position of conflict. They issued a statement saying, "As on date, MSD holds no shareholding in Rhiti Sports Management (P) Ltd. However, it is made clear that shareholding was allotted to MSD on 22.03.2013 only to secure certain old outstandings which were due for more than one year.
"It is made clear that the Management of Rhiti Sports Management (P) Ltd understands its obligations to the field of sport and the country and adheres to the laws of the land." the statement said.
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