Never to go the mainstream way, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has decided not to do any brand endorsements during the Covid-19 pandemic and is instead busy with organic farming. The former Indian captain is all set to launch his own brand of eco-friendly fertilisers soon.
The World Cup winning maestro who is also on a sabbatical from the sport from past one year, turned 39 on Tuesday. His manager and childhood friend Mihir Diwakar gave a peak into the wicketkeeper’s life at his hometown Ranchi.
“Patriotism is in his blood, be it serving for the country (in defence) or (farming) the land, he’s very passionate about it. He has about 40-50 acres of farm land and he is busy growing organic crops like papaya, banana there,” Diwakar said.
“He has stopped brand endorsements and has said that till life comes to normal, he won’t do any commercial activity,” Diwakar, who runs the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy under the name of Aarka Sports, added.
Dhoni was expected to be back in action at the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has been postponed indefinitely due to the outburst of coronavirus. He was recently seen driving a tractor in the lockdown. Diwakar mentioned they are soon going to launch the fertiliser under their company’s name Neo Global.
He also said the fertiliser is being tested at the former skipper’s farm. In a recent video, Mahi spoke about the harmful effects of pesticides to encourage organic farming.
“We have a team of experts and scientists and they have developed the fertiliser and it should be launched within two-three months,” the manager said.
“I spoke to him past midnight. It was a normal business talk. As usual, Dhoni would be at home with his family, with a quiet birthday celebration.” Asked whether retirement has crossed Dhoni’s mind, Diwakar said: “Being friends, we don’t talk about his cricket. But looking at him, he’s not all thinking about retirement.”
“He is very determined to play the IPL. He has worked really hard for this. If you remember he was there in Chennai one month in advance before everything was shut down,” he pointed out.
“He has maintained his fitness regimen at his farmhouse and will start practice after the lockdown is lifted. Everything now depends on how fast the situation returns to normalcy,” Diwakar concluded.
We cannot wait to see the captain cool back in action. Read more such massively-hit content on Mad Over Cricket.
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