- Aakash Chopra: What kind of person was former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the early days of his career? Aakash Chopra, who was Mahi’s roommate almost 20 years ago in 2004, has made a big revelation on this.
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Aakash Chopra On MS Dhoni:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is considered one of the most successful captains in cricket history. Under Mahi’s captaincy, Team India won the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy. Apart from this, the Indian team became number-1 in the Test format under Mahi’s captaincy. Also, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is considered one of the most successful captains in IPL history. Chennai Super Kings won the IPL title a record 5 times under Mahi’s captaincy. But how was Mahi in the early days of his career? Aakash Chopra, who was Mahi’s roommate about 20 years ago in 2004, has made a big revelation on this.
‘We were roommates in Bangalore for about a month, but…’
Aakash Chopra recalled his old times with Mahi, when both were roommates. Aakash Chopra says that in 2004, the Indian-A team toured Zimbabwe and Kenya. By that time I had played for India, there was a camp in Bangalore. When I reached the hotel, I was told that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is my roommate. I asked where he came from? In response to this, he said that he is from Ranchi… However, I had heard about him, I had actually seen him play some domestic matches in the Deodhar Trophy, but not more than that, I never got a chance to talk to him. We were roommates for about 1 month in Bangalore, but that Dhoni was completely different.
‘He never called for room service…’
Akash Chopra further says that his phone used to ring a lot, but he never answered. When I asked him what time he goes to sleep, because we wanted to know when he sleeps… in response to this he said that you can turn off the light whenever you are comfortable. Also Mahi used to eat non-veg, but I was a vegetarian, so our partnership was not good. So when I asked him what he wanted to eat, he said whatever you feel like eating. He never called for room service, he was very shy and he ate vegetarian food for a whole month.
‘Mahi’s passion for cricket was amazing…’
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra told that Mahi’s passion for cricket was amazing. Mahi used to bowl to former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik during practice sessions, but when it came to batting in the match, he played shots that were never seen before. Aakash Chopra further says that he was a very different Mahi, careless but not careless. Careless because he was very confident and happy, and not careless because he scored easily when he got the chance. There was a Pakistani bowler named Iftikhar Anjum, who used to bowl at a speed of 140+ kmph and had played for Pakistan, but Dhoni scored easily against him.
MS Dhoni, often hailed as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, is known not only for his remarkable cricketing career but also for his humble and grounded personality. Over the years, stories of Dhoni’s generosity, camaraderie, and selflessness have surfaced, providing a glimpse into the person behind the legend. Recently, a heartwarming story from 20 years ago was shared by Dhoni’s former roommate, revealing the extraordinary bond of friendship and sacrifice that defined the early days of the cricketing icon’s journey.
A Friendship Forged in Simplicity
Before the glitz and glamor of international cricket, Dhoni was just a young, aspiring cricketer, traveling with teammates in pursuit of his dreams. One such teammate and close friend from those early days recently shared a touching anecdote about Dhoni’s selfless nature and the deep bond they shared.
The story takes us back two decades, when Dhoni and his roommate were part of the domestic cricket circuit, living modestly, traveling together, and playing matches. Dhoni, known for his love of non-vegetarian food, made an unexpected decision to eat vegetarian meals for an entire month — not because of any dietary preference of his own, but out of consideration for his roommate.
Sacrificing Non-Veg for a Month
In the early 2000s, during their days of playing domestic cricket, Dhoni’s roommate was a strict vegetarian. Sharing meals and staying together on long tours, MS Dhoni, who was fond of non-vegetarian food, understood that his roommate felt uncomfortable around non-veg dishes. Instead of imposing his own preferences, Dhoni made a selfless choice — he gave up non-veg food for a whole month so that his roommate could feel at ease.
His roommate recalled this gesture fondly: “MS Dhoni used to love eating non-veg, but for an entire month, he switched to vegetarian food just for me. It was something he didn’t have to do, but that’s the kind of person Dhoni is — always thinking about the comfort and happiness of others.”
A Reflection of Dhoni’s Humility
This small but significant act of kindness sheds light on MS Dhoni’s humility and thoughtfulness, qualities that have endeared him to teammates, fans, and opponents alike throughout his career. In a world where individual preferences often take precedence, Dhoni’s willingness to sacrifice his own comfort for a friend speaks volumes about his character.
Even during his rise to cricketing stardom, MS Dhoni remained grounded, treating everyone with respect, regardless of status or position. Whether it was his teammates, support staff, or fans, Dhoni’s humility and generosity have been constant themes throughout his life.
The Early Days: A Glimpse into Dhoni’s Struggles
Before becoming the cricketing legend we know today, MS Dhoni’s journey was one of hard work, perseverance, and modesty. The story of him giving up non-veg for a month is symbolic of the way Dhoni approached every aspect of his life — with patience, empathy, and selflessness.
In his early days, MS Dhoni faced several challenges, whether it was balancing work as a ticket collector for Indian Railways or proving his mettle on the cricket field. His rise to the top was no overnight success; it was built on years of dedication, sacrifice, and support from his close-knit circle of friends and family.
The Power of Friendship in Dhoni’s Life
MS Dhoni has always placed great value on his friendships, often acknowledging the role his close friends have played in his journey. Many of his childhood and early cricketing friends remain close to him to this day, a testament to the deep bonds he has maintained despite his fame. Stories like the one shared by his former roommate highlight the sense of loyalty and respect that has been a cornerstone of MS Dhoni’s relationships.
Whether on the field or off it, MS Dhoni has always prioritized team spirit and camaraderie over individual glory. This story from 20 years ago is a perfect example of how Dhoni carried that same ethos into his personal life. It’s no wonder that teammates describe him as someone who creates a positive and inclusive environment, whether in the dressing room or during personal interactions.
Conclusion: Dhoni’s Legacy Beyond Cricket
MS Dhoni’s greatness extends far beyond his cricketing achievements. While his World Cup wins, match-winning knocks, and calm leadership will always be celebrated, it is these personal stories — of selflessness, humility, and kindness — that truly define MS Dhoni’s legacy. The tale of him giving up non-veg for a month for his roommate is just one of many that showcase his deep empathy and willingness to put others before himself.
As Dhoni’s illustrious career continues to inspire millions, it’s important to remember that his impact is not just in the records he’s set or the trophies he’s lifted, but in the lives he’s touched with his humble and generous spirit. MS Dhoni’s roommate’s story is a reminder that behind the cricketing icon is a person whose values of friendship, respect, and empathy are as legendary as his achievements on the field.