What would life be like for Dhoni after cricket?
There is a lot that has been written and said about the boy from Jharkhand who rose through the ranks in international cricket. A boy, who left his extremely humble beginnings behind, and never really looked back.
From his ODI debut in December 2004 against Bangladesh to becoming the only Indian captain who brought two World Cup trophies to India — T20 World Cup in 2007 and ICC World Cup 2011 — Mahendra Singh Dhoni has had an illustrious cricketing career with many feats to his name.
A thundering knock of 183 (not out) against Sri Lanka in 2005, the highest score by a wicket-keeper, most stumpings (123) by any wicket-keeper in ODI cricket, first Indian wicket-keeper to take 300 ODI catches and fourth wicket-keeper in the world who achieved this milestone, are just some of the many achievements Mahi can proudly take credit for.
Despite his shining career, speculations over his retirement have been growing in the recent. And even the most cryptic utterances with regard to Mahi's retirement send his fans in a frenzy.
Dhoni fans don't seem to have had enough of his helicopter shots, his stumpings and most importantly the 'Dhoni Review System'.
But Captain Cool seems to be unfazed by most talks around his retirement. Having taken a break from cricket after World Cup 2019, Mahi has kept himself busy training with the Army, playing football, tennis and even golf in America.
Despite his recent dabbling in other activities, it is hard to fathom what Dhoni would do if he really bids adieu to cricket. Yes, he could keep himself busy playing football and tennis but what apart from sports could keep the cricketer engaged in his post retirement days?
Here are five cool professions Dhoni might fit into after he calls it quits.
Lt Col Dhoni
Dhoni was awarded the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel with territorial army in 2011. In 2015, he became a qualified paratrooper after he completed parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircraft at the Agra training camp. He joined the army troops in south Kashmir in July 2019 to carry out patrolling and guard duties.
His photos donning the army uniform and performing his daily tasks like polishing his shoes went viral on social media and his fans couldn't stop gushing over them.
So, if Dhoni decides to join the army after this, we won't be surprised.
Counsellor Dhoni
The cricketer has been referred to as being "cool as cucumber" even through the tensest times on the cricketing field. There could have been storms brewing within but on the surface, he always carried a smile.
He can use this ability to turn therapist sharing his mantra to stay calm, positive and happy. Some players in Team India sure could use Dhoni's tips.
Reviewer Dhoni
The Dhoni Review System works with such amazing precision that it would be advisable for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to turn it into an official tool in the game. When Dhoni is on the field and gives his teammates the nod to use a review, you can just close your eyes and trust him.
If the third umpire isn't sure of a decision, Dhoni should have the right to take the final call.
Biker Dhoni
We all know about Mahi's love for his bikes. Suzuki Shogun to Kawasaki Ninja H2, Confederate X132 Hellcat to Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R and Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, you name it, he owns it.
Once he decides to permanently go off the field, he can surely guide biking enthusiasts. Mahi already has a massive bike museum. He can throw it up to biking fans and take them through his collection explaining the little known facts about why or when he bought a particular bike.
Now, that's an opportunity no one would want to miss.
Actor Dhoni
Pepsi, Orient, Videocon D2H, Cello, Sonata, TVS, Aircel, Boost, Dream11, Bharat Matrimony... the list is endless.
So what's common in all these ads? Yes, Dhoni!
From Pepsi's helicopter shot ad to Videocon's ad with SRK, from TVS bike's 'Takat apni muthi mein' to the hilarious Lava phone ad series, fans have loved his acting skills.
Who wouldn't want to watch more of Dhoni?
PS: Jokes apart, as a Dhoni fan, I would never want him to leave cricket and do something else. The nation loves its World Cup hero, its Captain Cool!