After enduring a tough Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign as Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) stand-in captain, MS Dhoni has stepped away from the game's spotlight. Replacing injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni captained a struggling CSK team that eventually concluded at the bottom of the points table. Following the taxing campaign, the iconic former India skipper has maintained a low profile.

However, "Captain Cool" is back in the headlines—not for cricket, but for a heartwarming reason. A video recently went viral on social media showing Dhoni in a cheerful mood as he celebrated the birthday of his long-time friend and tennis coach, Surender Kumar. The celebration took place in Ranchi, Dhoni’s hometown, and was attended by close friends and family.

In the clip shared by his tennis partner, Sumeet Kumar Bajaj, Dhoni can be seen cutting a tennis-themed cake and feeding a piece to Surender Kumar. An emotional Surender broke down in tears of joy after Dhoni made the evening a special occasion for him. The act further showcased Dhoni's down-to-earth personality and the incredible friendships he has built off the pitch.

Dhoni’s Love for Tennis and Future in IPL

MS Dhoni is not only a cricketing legend but also a passionate tennis player and has played in several local tennis events in Jharkhand, actually winning men's doubles titles (3 consecutive titles in 2020, 2021, and 2022) alongside Sumeet Bajaj.

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A post shared by Sumeet Kumar Bajaj (@bajaj.sumeetkumar)

See Also: Rohit Sharma: From debut to record-breaking icon of Indian cricket

While fans continue to speculate about Dhoni’s return to IPL 2026, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has kept something on ice. He has often stated that his participation will depend on his fitness levels and how his body responds in the lead-up to the next edition. Until then, fans are left enjoying these glimpses of their beloved "Thala" off the field.