India's former skipper MS Dhoni has formally requested that his nickname "Captain Cool" be trademarked. This establishes the connection between his cricketing life and business acumen. His fans and the media adore the name since it reflects how cool he remains under stress and how cool-headed he is on the field as the captain.

Dhoni's June 2023 application was recently approved and published by the Kolkata office of the Trademarks Registry. The official journal printed the mark on June 16, 2025, beginning a 120-day window for others to object. If no one else objects, Dhoni will own the name.

The trademark falls under Class 41, which includes education, sports training, entertainment, and cultural activities. This means Dhoni wants to use the name for things like coaching academies, training programs, sports content, and other cricket-related services.

Dhoni’s Trademark Move Is About Protecting His Legacy

For years, “Captain Cool” wasn’t just a fun nickname, it became a big part of Dhoni’s identity. From guiding India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, hitting the winning six in the 2011 ODI World Cup final, and then hoisting the 2013 Champions Trophy, Dhoni became the first captain to win all three of the big ICC white-ball trophies. His level-headedness under pressure and his calmness to think clearly made him a reliable leader. Today, he is cashing that image into a brand.

But the journey was not easy. His lawyer, Mansi Aggarwal, says the Trademarks Registry initially opposed, saying that another company, Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Pvt Ltd, had already registered the same nickname. Dhoni's lawyers argued that the mark was registered in bad faith and that the company was trying to capitalise on his fame.

Also, they showed how Dhoni has long been synonymous with the nickname "Captain Cool" in the media, on social media, and among cricket fans for nearly 20 years. The application was granted after several hearings.

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If nobody objects to the trademark in the next few months, Dhoni will have sole authority over what the name is used for, whether for merchandise, academies, branding, or online content.

This is a growing trend among famous athletes. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) and Michael Jordan (Jumpman) have built strong personal brands from their sports careers. Dhoni is now taking a similar step to protect and grow his brand off the field.

More Than a Nickname: Dhoni’s Legacy Lives On

"Captain Cool" is more than a nickname to Dhoni; it's an allusion to an Indian cricket golden age. Millions of people were inspired by his captaincy, which formed winning teams. By trademarking the term, Dhoni guarantees that the phrase will forever be linked with him, both legally and in the eyes of his fans.

Dhoni, now 43, last played in the 2025 Indian Premier League, where he took over captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings halfway through the season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured. CSK did not have a great season and had a rare low finish at the bottom of the table. Dhoni's popularity and respect, however, remain very high. As a reward for his immortal contribution to the sport, he was recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

As he reaches 44 this July, Dhoni hasn't closed the door on playing another season of IPL. Whether he comes out to play or not, the "Captain Cool" franchise is here to stay in the form of merchandise, cricket schools, or training modules that may bear his name. By obtaining legal rights to a name synonymous with his captaincy, MS Dhoni is doing much more than safeguarding a nickname; he's ensuring his legacy for generations to come.

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni is all set to embark on a new adventure. As he looks to cherish the final moments of his cricketing career, Dhoni has unveiled plans to start a new business that will cater to providing oil and deodorants. As per reports, the 43-year-old has applied to obtain a trademark for his business. The Indian legend came up with a cheeky name for his trademark and named it after his popular nickname, "CAPTAIN COOL". 

The application was filed on June 5 and has been formally received and cleared by the Intellectual Property India on June 29. Dhoni will be the sole proprietor of this business. However, certain details, most notably the validity of the trademark, appear to be missing. 

See also: Dhoni on Modern Cricket: Adapting to a New Era of Risk and Innovation

"CAPTAIN COOL" Trademark goes live

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has applied for trademark- CAPTAIN COOL

Ab aayega captain cool powder, oil, deodorant, movie 😂 pic.twitter.com/jaoeKYi75Z

— maithun (@Being_Humor) June 30, 2025

As soon as the post was made viral, several Twitter users flooded the comments section. While many called him out for "stealing credit" even for a quest to obtain a trademark, some just laughed it off as they were left in splits. Be it on the field or off the field, Dhoni does not fail to entertain his fan base. Given his charismatic character, every move that the former Indian captain makes helps him garner endless headlines.

At age 43, Dhoni does not have enough cricket left in him. The Indian legend has retired from all forms of cricket but continues to play as an uncapped player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for his franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). As he looks to draw his glorious cricketer chapter to a close, Dhoni has his ambitions set on seeking an alternative career path after cricket. It remains to be seen whether he will still be involved with the game at any capacity once he fully gets committed to his business. 

Only a couple of days left before India will take on England for the 2nd of the 5-match Test series. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir's observation, the boys in blue are preparing for their next assignment in Edgbaston. Before the England vs. India 2nd Test match, former India cricketer, now a cricket expert and commentator, Aakash Chopra picked his all-time favorite India Test XI.

In his combination, Chopra named some surprising entries in the line-up, and he chose not to pick some of the stars of Indian cricket. Chopra did not mention Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, or Mahendra Singh Dhoni in his team. Though he tried to create a balanced squad on pen and paper. 

For the opening spots, Chopra chose the combination of Sunil Gavaskar and Virendra Sehwag—two contradictory batters to start the innings. At numbers 3, 4, and 5, Aakash named Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. Surprisingly, the cricket expert did not place Dhoni in the wicketkeeping position. Instead, he went to Rishabh Pant to add some extra firepower to the line.

Read More: England fined for slow over rate in opening T20I match against India

Chopra choose Pant as the keeper 

"At No. 6, I have kept Rishabh Pant. When I had made the team three or four years ago, I had kept MS Dhoni's name. However, now I feel you have to put Rishabh Pant. If the guy becomes part of India's all-time Test XI at 25 years of age, you doff your hat. He is worth his weight in gold," Chopra said in his YouTube video. 

At number 7, he picked Kapil Dev, and then at 8, Ravichandran Ashwin found his place. Ashwin and Anil Kumble are the duo for all the spin work for the specially picked XI. As seamers, Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan got Chopra's vote. 

Aakash Chopra's all-time India Test XI: Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Kapil Dev, Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, Jasprit Bumrah, Zaheer Khan

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has opened up about his early days in international cricket in his newly launched memoir, The One: Cricket, My Life, and More. In the book, Dhawan shares an interesting and previously unheard anecdote about his very first interaction with then-India captain MS Dhoni. The meeting took place during Dhawan’s ODI debut series in 2010 against Australia. Recalling the moment he entered the Indian dressing room for the first time, Dhawan was struck by Dhoni’s appearance and charm.

Describing Dhoni’s look at the time, Dhawan wrote, “I wanted to cast him in a Bollywood movie; he looked like a film star with that long hair and easy smile. We were having a chat about my motivation when I suddenly blurted out, ‘I want to play for India, and I want to make you a Bollywood hero!’ He threw back his head and laughed.” Dhawan eventually made his Test debut three years later in 2013, also under Dhoni’s leadership, where he famously scored a blistering 187 against Australia.

Dhawan also reflected on his debut ODI series in October 2010. Although he was excited to finally don the India jersey, fate had different plans. The first match in Kochi and the third game in Margao were both washed out. Dhawan got his chance in the second ODI but was dismissed for a two-ball duck. “Before the first match in Kochi, there was so much nervous energy bubbling inside me that I could not sleep the whole night… But when I got up in the morning, it was raining heavily, and all my hopes turned to naught. No action was possible that day,” he recalled.

A Glimpse Into Cricket's Less Digital Past

Dhawan further reflected on how the media landscape during his early playing days was very different compared to now. “When I was trying to break into the Indian side, social media was still nascent, and cricketers were under a lot less scrutiny,” he noted. He explained that while print and television media still followed the sport intensely, the pace of public opinion was not as rapid or volatile as it is in today’s online-driven world.

“Team selections and individual cricket performances were discussed threadbare and had gained sufficient audience in the country. However, unlike the current times in which social media can transform cricketers from ‘hero’ to ‘zero’ almost overnight, narratives took a lot longer to change back in those days,” Dhawan wrote. Despite the early struggles, he went on to become India’s top scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy and ended his career with 2315 Test runs, 6793 in ODIs, and 1759 in T20Is.

Bangladesh cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim surpassed two legendary cricketers, MS Dhoni and Inzamam-ul-Haq, in two different prestigious record books during his batting performance in the first innings of the second or last Test of the series against the hosts Sri Lanka. 

Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo is hosting the Test series decider, as the winner of the Test match will win the Test series. On the opening day of the final Test of the series, on Wednesday (June 25), Bangladesh scored 220/8. Mushfiqur Rahim is the second-highest run-scorer in this Bangladesh innings with 35 off 75 balls, with five fours. The right-handed batter has played an important role in this series, as he scored 163 and 49 runs in the first Test of the series.  

During his latest innings, Mushfiqur Rahim surpassed legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni in the list of most international run-scorers against Sri Lanka. While Dhoni scored 3087 international runs against Sri Lanka, Mushfiqur has scored 3100 international runs against Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh legend is now standing in the seventh position in the list of most international runs against Sri Lanka. 

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Most international runs vs Sri Lanka

Meanwhile, on the same day, Mushfiqur has also moved up to the third position in the list of most Test runs against Sri Lanka by surpassing legendary Pakistan cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq. While Inzamam scored 1559 Test runs against the Lankans, Mushfiqur has scored 1593 Test runs against the same team. 

Most Test runs vs Sri Lanka

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.

Watch the video here

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

A flurry of events from beginning to end. The rain struck the final of the 2013 Champions Trophy at Birmingham, reduced to a 20-over match, as there was no reserve day. India and England, two finalists, were under sudden pressure due to over-deduction and the weather conditions.

Under the damp conditions, Ravi Bopara turned into a beast with the ball. He took the wickets of Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and then the skipper of team India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India's batting unit, in that match, could be more fragile if there were no Dhawan (31), Virat Kohli (43), or Ravindra Jadeja (33*). The boys in blue somehow got 129 for 7 on the scoreboard.

The target was definitely not something to cheer about. When India looked in deep trouble, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin proved their effectiveness, and Ishan Sharma, the most expensive bowler of the game for his side, claimed a couple of wickets in the final over to register a win in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, dated June 23, 2013.

Read More: Jasprit Bumrah surpasses Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taker in SENA countries

India utilised the conditions well

Ashwin took two scalps with a 3.75 run rate, and Jadeja bagged two after scoring an unbeaten 33-run knock. India won the match by only 5 runs. Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan, and Ravi Bopara tried their best to interrupt India's trajectory to glory, but they ran out of luck. 

MS Dhoni, the happiest captain on the planet that day, said during the presentation ceremony, "The shower helped us because the ball was gripping later on. It's important to be positive. I said, 'We are the No. 1-ranked team; let's play like that.' I knew the two overs of Powerplay were crucial. I wanted to make them slog off the spinners. They all handled the pressure really well. In international cricket people talk about technique, but it's the ones that deal with the pressure." 

Dettol has initiated a new summer campaign for its Icy Cool hygiene line, signing up cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as brand ambassador. Dubbed "Captain Cool," Dhoni is a perfect fit for the campaign's message: staying cool under pressure both physically and mentally can improve performance in any context.

Developed by McCann Worldgroup, the campaign communicates Dettol Icy Cool's guarantee of freshness and safeguarding during India's scorching summer. Whether you're preparing for a nail-biting cricket match or exams, the word is out: "Body cool toh mind cool. aur game ho ya exam. performance cool!"

The campaign movie begins with a young cricketer experiencing the heat both literally and metaphorically on the sidelines of an intense match. When he glances towards a poster of Dhoni for inspiration, Dhoni himself emerges in a stylized succession and offers him Dettol Icy Cool, representing composure, concentration, and self-belief.

Dhoni spoke about his excitement for the collaboration: "Staying cool in a heated situation is always part of my.life style. Dettol Icy Cool is the solution to just that when your body feels cool, your mind will be cool as well."

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watch the video:

Dettol just dropped the craziest rap of the year ft. MS Dhoni. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/BEDruHcNgT

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 21, 2025

MS Dhoni joins Dettol to promote staying cool, clean, and confident this summer

Soap, bodywash, and handwash are part of the Dettol Icy Cool range, especially designed to provide a cooling experience coupled with safeguarding against 99.9% of skin infection-causing germs. It is meant to deal with summer-related issues such as sweat, heat, and irritation of the skin.

Kanika Kalra, Reckitt South Asia's Regional Marketing Director, further added: "Associating with MS Dhoni helps us reach out to millions who admire him as an icon of poise, confidence, and performance."

Directed by Rajesh Saathi and produced by Keroscene Films, the campaign combines creative narrative and an everyday message beyond hygiene it's about remaining sharp where it counts. With Dettol Icy Cool and Dhoni at the forefront, this summer is all about remaining fresh, alert, and prepared to deliver regardless of the heat.

 Rishabh Pant delivered a powerful reminder of his match-winning ability with a stunning century in the 1st Test against England at Headingley. After ending Day 1 unbeaten on 65, Pant went on to score his 7th Test century on Day 2, reaching the milestone in 146 balls with 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. His ton helped solidify India’s commanding position in the match and also saw him surpass MS Dhoni’s record to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most centuries in Test cricket.

Pant faced heavy criticism following an underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign, with many questioning his form and fitness. Doubts also loomed over his Test comeback after a long injury layoff from his 2022 car accident. However, Pant’s century was marked not just by his aggressive stroke play but also by a signature somersault celebration. The backflip, which he first displayed at the IPL, elicited grins from fans and commentators alike. Sunil Gavaskar, commentating on the occasion, quipped, "After that, you must have a stretcher and ambulance at hand, just in case." The victory was symbolic—a coming full circle for a player who had survived vicious criticism and a career-ending car crash barely two years ago.

On Day 1, Pant had walked in on the back of Jaiswal's dismissal and quickly asserted his dominance by cutting Ben Stokes for a boundary. His 65 not out off 102 balls innings was dotted with six fours and two sixes, included as part of an unbroken 138-run partnership with skipper Shubman Gill. It was a relaxed and composed performance, one that silenced critics and displayed the southpaw fully in rhythm after an uninspiring IPL 2025 season.

Pant Breaks Dhoni’s Record with 7th Test Century

Pant's century was not only about numbers; it was also a statement of grit. In the process of his innings, he breached 3,000 Test runs, becoming only the second Indian wicketkeeper after Dhoni to have done so. He also became Asia’s most successful wicketkeeper-batter in SENA conditions. Earlier, he had overtaken Rohit Sharma to become India’s leading six-hitter in the World Test Championship, now standing at 58 sixes.

FROM STUPID, STUPID, STUPID TO SUPERB, SUPERB, SUPERB 🥹❤️

- Pant is a Hero in Test Cricket. pic.twitter.com/ZcWKuVX3tr

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 21, 2025

See Also: WATCH: Rishabh Pant does his famous backflip celebration after century in 1st Test vs England

With key contributions from Jaiswal (101), debutant captain Gill (127*), and Pant, India posted their highest-ever first-day total in a Test match on English soil—359/3. But it was Pant’s knock that stood out for its emotion, intent, and message: Rishabh Pant is back, and he’s here to stay.

As preparations are underway for the red-ball series between India and England at Headingley, former England captain Jos Buttler has revealed his favourite player from the Indian team. And it's no surprise that MS Dhoni is at the top of his list.

Speaking during a podcast shared by the Instagram handle From The Love Of Cricket, Buttler answered several questions ahead of the five-match Test series.

Jos Buttler, one of the best wicketkeepers and most explosive batsmen in white-ball cricket, was recently asked about his favourite Indian cricketer. Without any hesitation, he answered, “Favourite Indian cricketer as a wicketkeeper is definitely MS Dhoni.” This is no surprise, as Dhoni’s calmness under pressure, lightning-fast stumpings, and ability to win matches out of nowhere have inspired cricketers across generations — and Buttler is no exception.

When asked about his favourite Indian food, Buttler shared that his many visits to India have influenced his taste. He said, “My favourite Indian food is paneer curry. Any curry, but yes, I really liked paneer during my stay in India.”

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As for his favourite stadium in India, Buttler picked the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. But it’s not just because of its iconic status. He has a special memory attached to it — the 230-run chase against South Africa in the T20 World Cup. “My favourite Indian stadium is the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The main reason for this is the memorable 230-run chase against South Africa,” he said.

Question: Favourite Indian Cricketer? [LoveofcricketPod]

Jos Buttler said "MS Dhoni". pic.twitter.com/4RgGYI18ik

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 21, 2025

On the entertainment front, Buttler named Bollywood star Ranveer Singh as his favourite actor. He recalled being impressed by Ranveer’s energetic performance during the opening ceremony of the IPL final — a match in which Buttler himself played. “He did the opening ceremony of the IPL final in which I played and it was fantastic,” he added.

Looking ahead to the India vs England Test series, Buttler is backing his former teammates strongly. When asked about his prediction for the series, he confidently said, “England 4-1.” With India going through a transition and England playing at home, Buttler believes the hosts have a strong chance to dominate.