Mahendra Singh Dhoni, affectionately known as Captain Cool, has left an indelible mark on the world of cricket. His journey from a small-town boy to a cricketing legend is nothing short of remarkable. In this blog, we will look into the fascinating world of MS Dhoni’s cricket bats, tracing their evolution, iconic moments, and the recent bat that will accompany him in the 2024 season.
Early Days: The Humble Beginnings
Dhoni’s cricketing journey began at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi, where he played badminton and basketball. His school coach, KR Banerjee, recognized his potential and asked him to keep wickets for the cricket team. And so, with a pair of gloves, Dhoni stepped onto the field, unknowingly embarking on a path that would lead him to greatness.
The Iconic Captain
Dhoni’s leadership skills were unparalleled. As the captain of the Indian cricket team, he guided them to numerous victories, including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. His calm demeanor under pressure earned him the moniker “Captain Cool.” Whether it was his lightning-fast stumpings or his helicopter shots, Dhoni’s impact on the game extended beyond the boundaries of the cricket field.
The First Bats
MS Dhoni Spartan Seven is a top of the line bat which is exactly the same as used by the Legend himself.
- Bihar U-19 Team (1998-99)
In the Cooch Behar Trophy, Dhoni scored 185 runs in 5 matches, catching the selectors’ attention. The following year, he scored a whopping 488 runs in 9 matches, including 4 fifties. His dream of making it to the India U-19 side for the World Cup in Sri Lanka was tantalizingly close but remained elusive. During his stint with the Bihar U-19 team, Dhoni’s bat featured the SG logo. This logo represented the renowned Indian sports equipment manufacturer Sanspareils Greenlands (SG)
- List A & FC Debut
Dhoni made his List A and First-Class debut in 2000. His first victim as a wicketkeeper was Parag Das, who was stumped. Little did he know that 19 years later, he would catch Parag Das’ son, Riyan Parag, in an IPL game in Jaipur. When Dhoni made his List A and First-Class debut in 2000, he sported a bat with the BAS (Beat All Sports) logo. The BAS logo represented one of India’s prominent sports manufacturing companies.
- Central Coal Limited and CCL
Before playing for Bihar, Dhoni represented Central Coal Limited (CCL). He scored a double hundred in a school match and put up a partnership of 378 with Shabir Hussain*. His performance earned him a monthly stipend of 2K + 200 extra for being a match-winning player. Dhoni’s first FC century came at the Eden Gardens against Bengal. The bat was auctioned at MS Dhoni’s ‘East Meets West’ Charity Dinner in London. A die-hard Dhoni fan went all out in the bidding war to get the bat for £100,000 (approximately 1 crore Indian rupee) to win the bat.
The Iconic Bats
- BAS and SS Bats
During the 2019 ICC World Cup, Dhoni wielded bats from BAS (Barely Any Stickers) and SS (Sareen Sports). His refusal to sign lucrative bat contracts showcased his loyalty to these brands. He didn’t mention money; he simply said, “Put your stickers on my bats and send them across.” A heartfelt gesture that honored friendship over financial gains.
- The Prime Sports Bat
In the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni’s bat prominently displays the name “Prime Sports”. This move is a nod to his childhood friend’s sports shop, emphasizing loyalty and camaraderie. Dhoni’s unwavering support for Prime Sports speaks volumes about his character and values.
The Future
Recently, fans keenly observed that MS Dhoni has been diligently practicing with a bat adorned with a ‘Prime Sports’ sticker. Interestingly, Prime Sports is purportedly owned by none other than Dhoni’s childhood friend, Paramjit Singh. This gesture speaks volumes about the legendary cricketer’s unwavering loyalty and his unique way of promoting his friend’s sports goods shop.
As Dhoni gears up for the 2024 season, fans eagerly await glimpses of his new bat. What design will adorn it? What magic will it weave on the cricket field? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: MS Dhoni’s cricket journey continues to be a saga of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to the game.
Stay tuned for more updates as Captain Cool steps onto the pitch with his trusted companion—the bat that echoes his legacy.
Note: The information provided here is based on available records and historical accounts. Some details may vary, but the essence remains true to Dhoni’s remarkable journey.
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