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BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla explained MS Dhoni’s social media absence, citing his principled nature. Despite this, Dhoni has millions of followers. Shukla also mentioned Dhoni’s potential in politics.
MS Dhoni (Picture Credit: PTI)
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla answered an age-old, off-field question of Indian cricket on Sunday — Why is MS Dhoni not active on social media? Shukla said that the legendary former India captain doesn’t even carry a personal phone because he’s a ‘principled’ person and it’s in his nature to avoid ‘cheapness’ and ‘frivolity’ of any kind.
Dhoni used to be quite active on Twitter (formerly X). However, in recent years, apart from an occasional post with his family, he doesn’t interact at all. That’s unlike most of the current crop of cricketers, whose social media is full of posts about their daily life and brand promotions. In fact, player managers see social media as an important part of their brand, and use it to foster their image in society and also achieve sponsorship deals.
“It’s his nature,” Shukla told YouTuber BeerBiceps in a video released on Sunday. “He doesn’t even keep a mobile phone. Even the BCCI selectors used to struggle with how to approach him that you have been selected for this team or that you have to go. He never keeps his mobile phone with him. It’s his nature. I have seen, that he’s a bit of a principled person and has a commitment to take all things seriously. There is no cheapness or frivolity in him.”
Despite his lack of activity on social media, Dhoni has 49.2 million followers on Instagram (with just 111 posts) and 8.6 million on X.
MS Dhoni into politics?
Shukla also said that he thinks Dhoni can be a successful politician, though it doesn’t seem like he wants to.
“I feel Dhoni can become a politician,” Shukla 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. I asked him once that I heard that he was going to contest for Lok Sabha seat, he said ‘No, no, no’.”
Dhoni has retired from international cricket and will be seen in action in the upcoming IPL 2025 for Chennai Super Kings.
