5 times MS Dhoni was much more than a cricketer

#3 MS Dhoni's charity work that often goes under the radar

MS Dhoni has been involved in charity work for a long time now

MS Dhoni is not very vocal about his charity work, but reports suggest that the Ranchi man is very generous with his donations. He established the MS Dhoni Charitable Foundation in 2010, and the organisation has contributed to various social causes, such as the betterment of Indian Army officials.

MS Dhoni was also seen presenting a 2 crore cheque to the Indian armed forces ahead of an IPL 2019 game, and has organised fundraisers to aid wounded soldiers. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain has opened cricket academies across the world as well, and continues to give back to the sport that has given him so much.

Even recently, MS Dhoni made the headlines for a donation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

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#2 MS Dhoni skips the birth of his daughter to play the 2015 World Cup

MS Dhoni led the Indian team to the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup

MS Dhoni was in Australia to participate in the 2015 World Cup, and his daughter was born just ahead of the quadrennial tournament. However, the then-33-year-old refused to fly back home to be with his wife and child, stating that he is on national duty and that everything else can wait.

"Yes, I have been blessed with a baby daughter. Both mom and child are fine. No (I will not return), I am on national duty. World Cup is important for me and I'd rather be here."

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#1 MS Dhoni, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army

MS Dhoni receiving the Padma Bhushan in his army uniform

Months after India's famous 2011 World Cup win, MS Dhoni was conferred the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Territorial Army.

And seven years later, he marched proudly up to President Ram Nath Kovind in his army uniform to collect India's third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan.

MS Dhoni even served the Indian army in Kashmir earlier this year, and took up guard and patrol duty for a period of two weeks.

“Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) MS Dhoni is proceeding to 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) for being with the Battalion from 31 Jul-15 Aug 2019,” a statement by the Indian Army said.

“The unit is in Kashmir as part of Victor Force. He’ll be taking duties of patrolling, guard&post duty and will be staying with troops.”