The question of why MS Dhoni remains inactive on social media has intrigued cricket fans for years. On Sunday, Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), shed light on this curiosity. According to Shukla, the former Indian captain deliberately stays away from the digital limelight as a matter of principle. He even goes to the extent of not carrying a personal phone, preferring to keep himself distanced from what he perceives as unnecessary distractions and trivialities.
There was a time when Dhoni was active on Twitter (now X), sharing glimpses of his life with fans. However, over the past few years, he has maintained a significant distance from social media, apart from occasional posts featuring his family. This is in stark contrast to the current generation of cricketers, who frequently share updates about their lives, endorsements, and engagements. For many players, social media is an essential tool in building their brand, fostering public perception, and securing sponsorship deals.
In an interview, Rajeev Shukla explained that MS Dhoni detachment from social media is simply a reflection of his personality. He recounted how even BCCI selectors often found it difficult to reach Dhoni, as he rarely kept his phone with him. Shukla emphasized that Dhoni’s approach to life is deeply rooted in discipline and commitment. He described him as a person who avoids anything he deems frivolous, maintaining a certain level of seriousness in everything he does.
Despite his absence from regular social media activity, Dhoni continues to command a massive following. His Instagram account, which has only 111 posts, boasts 49.2 million followers, while his presence on X has garnered 8.6 million followers.
On the subject of MS Dhoni’s potential involvement in politics, Rajeev Shukla expressed his belief that the cricketing icon could be a successful politician. However, he also acknowledged that Dhoni does not seem inclined to take that path. Comparing him to another former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, who was expected to step into Bengal politics, Shukla suggested that Dhoni, too, possesses the popularity and appeal necessary for political success. Yet, when he once inquired whether Dhoni planned to contest a Lok Sabha seat, the cricketer firmly denied any such intentions.
Having retired from international cricket, Dhoni remains an influential figure in the sport. Fans will get to see him back in action in the upcoming IPL 2025, where he will once again don the Chennai Super Kings jersey.
