Politics is the next step for MS Dhoni? BCCI officials hints at the star's post-retirement plans

MS Dhoni has marked his name as a legend of the game in the minds of cricket fans all over the world. India witnessed a golden period in cricket under the leadership of the wicketkeeper-batter, as Dhoni led the team to three ICC World Cup trophies. His credentials as the Indian skipper are further adorned by leading the team to the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time and winning the Test mace twice. His unmatched record as the Indian captain is the reason why his name consistently comes up in cricket discussions long after his retirement from international cricket. It is a certain fact that MS Dhoni is one of the most loved cricketers in India. His immense fan following suggests that Dhoni would enjoy great support in any venture he chooses to step into. However, does that mean the former Indian skipper fancies a career in politics now that he has entered the twilight of his IPL career?

Rajeev Shukla discusses the possibility of MS Dhoni joining politics

The IPL remains the sole playing ground for MS Dhoni, as Chennai’s beloved Thala is set to play in the 2025 edition. However, uncertainty looms over how long the 43-year-old can extend his stay in the league as a player. Following his retirement from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has kept away from taking up commentary or broadcasting jobs. Meanwhile, his only role in Indian cricket following retirement came when he mentored Team India in the 2021 T20 World Cup. While Dhoni continues in the IPL for the time being, speculations persist about his next move. One of the discussions includes the former skipper's interest in entering politics.

The discussion gained some insight recently as BCCI official Rajeev Shukla opened up on the topic. Shukla, in a recent interaction, predicted that Dhoni could be a good politician. When asked if the cricketer himself entertains the idea of joining politics once his time in cricket is over, Shukla responded in the negative. The BCCI official revealed that Dhoni once dismissed the possibility when Shukla asked if the rumors of him joining the Lok Sabha were true.

“I feel Dhoni can become a politician,” he said. “It is up to him if he will become a politician or not. Sourav, I always felt he would enter Bengal politics. Dhoni can also be good in politics. He will win easily; he is popular. I don't know if he will enter politics, it is purely in his hands,” he added.

Opening up further on the topic, Shukla delved into the likelihood of it happening as he noted the cricketer's nature. Despite enjoying one of the highest followings in India, Dhoni, at his core, comes off as an individual who enjoys his solitude and peace. The CSK star is not an avid user of social media, nor does he engage in public interactions much. Shukla highlighted that Dhoni does not even keep a phone for himself. The politician noted that Dhoni's tendency to stay away from fame is a key element suggesting his aversion to politics.

“I asked him once if he was going to contest for a Lok Sabha seat, and he said, ‘No, no, no,’” he revealed. “It is in his nature to stay hidden; he doesn't even keep a mobile phone with him. It was even hard for the BCCI selectors to approach him, as there was no mobile with him,” he said. “It is his nature to go away from fame, or whatever his nature is," he added.