MS Dhoni: The Master Businessman – A Deep Dive Into His Investment Empire!

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain and current CSK star, is not just a cricket field legend but also a business world powerhouse. Often hailed for his calm demeanor and razor-sharp instincts during high-pressure games, Dhoni has seamlessly transferred these qualities into the world of entrepreneurship and investments. With a net worth exceeding ₹1,000 crore, Dhoni’s financial moves reveal a strategic mind and a keen eye for emerging opportunities. Let’s explore the ventures and brands that make MS Dhoni a true business mogul.
Fitness & Lifestyle
Seven
One of Dhoni’s most recognizable ventures is Seven, a sportswear brand he co-founded in 2016. Named after his iconic jersey number, the brand reflects his fitness philosophy and minimalistic style. While the brand offers a full range of activewear, Dhoni holds the licensing rights for the footwear segment and also serves as its brand ambassador. Seven has rapidly gained traction among Indian youth, combining affordability with quality, something Dhoni insists on delivering.
SportsFit World Pvt. Ltd.
Expanding on his passion for fitness, Dhoni also invested in SportsFit World, a chain of gyms that focuses on holistic health and personal wellness. With over 200 outlets across India, SportsFit reflects Dhoni’s commitment to building a fit and healthy India. His belief in sustainable and disciplined training methods has become a cornerstone of the brand’s ethos.
Sports Franchises
Chennaiyin FC
While he’s known for leading Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Dhoni’s investment in sports extends beyond cricket. He is a co-owner of Chennaiyin FC, a team in the Indian Super League (ISL). Under his co-ownership, the club has seen considerable success, including championship wins in 2015 and 2017-18. Dhoni’s belief in nurturing football in India aligns perfectly with this venture.
Ranchi Rays
In a bid to revive and promote hockey, Dhoni co-owns the Ranchi Rays, a franchise in the now-defunct Hockey India League. His hometown pride and dedication to uplifting underrepresented sports in India are clear in this initiative.
Mahi Racing Team India
Dhoni’s love for speed found expression in the form of Mahi Racing Team India, which competed in the Supersport World Championship. Although niche, this motorsport venture speaks volumes about his diverse interests and risk-taking capabilities.
Hospitality Sector
Hotel Mahi Residency
Dhoni’s foray into hospitality includes Hotel Mahi Residency in Ranchi. This comfortable and modest hotel is strategically located near the city’s main transportation hubs and caters to both business and leisure travelers. The investment signifies his intent to give back to his hometown while capitalizing on the growing domestic tourism sector.
Food & Beverage
7Ink Brews
Dhoni co-founded 7Ink Brews, a company that blends two of his passions—cricket and branding. The company launched Copter7, a craft beer inspired by Dhoni’s famous helicopter shot. It also includes artisanal chocolates and beverages under the same branding, reflecting a clever mix of personal branding with product development.
Entertainment Industry
Dhoni Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
In 2019, Dhoni and his wife, Sakshi, established Dhoni Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., a film and TV production company. Their debut film, LGM – Let’s Get Married, marked their entrance into Tamil cinema. With a focus on meaningful storytelling and regional content, the company plans to venture into multiple languages and OTT platforms.
Tech & Startups
Garuda Aerospace
Dhoni has invested in Garuda Aerospace, a Chennai-based drone startup that focuses on precision agriculture and surveillance drones. As both investor and brand ambassador, Dhoni’s involvement is a major endorsement for India’s growing drone tech ecosystem. His support reflects his interest in futuristic technologies and their impact on society.
Khatabook
Recognizing the fintech boom in India, Dhoni invested in Khatabook, a digital ledger app helping small businesses manage their accounts. His role as investor and ambassador helped the startup gain significant traction, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
CARS24
Dhoni also owns equity in CARS24, a platform for buying and selling used cars. His association adds credibility to the brand in a highly competitive auto resale market.
HomeLane
In 2021, Dhoni entered the home interiors space through a strategic partnership with HomeLane, a tech-based interiors startup. As brand ambassador and stakeholder, Dhoni aims to make quality interiors more accessible to the average Indian homebuyer.
Shaka Harry
Joining the sustainable food movement, Dhoni invested in Shaka Harry, a startup offering plant-based protein products. This aligns with the global trend of health-conscious, environmentally sustainable eating habits—yet another example of his forward-thinking investment approach.
Brand Endorsements
While Dhoni’s investments are impressive, his brand endorsements further amplify his financial portfolio. Even post-retirement from international cricket, he remains one of India’s most bankable celebrities. He has endorsed over 35 brands, including:
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Mastercard
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Oreo
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Dream11
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Unacademy
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Bharat Matrimony
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Netmeds
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Fire-Boltt
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Skipper Pipes
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Jio Cinema
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Gulf Oil
These endorsements are not just lucrative but also strategic, each aligning with his brand image of trust, simplicity, and consistency.
Conclusion
MS Dhoni’s journey from cricketer to entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. His investments span a wide array of sectors—sports, fitness, hospitality, technology, and entertainment—proving that he’s not just a player on the field, but also a master strategist in boardrooms. Dhoni has crafted a business empire that reflects his personality: calm, calculated, and incredibly impactful.
As fans cheer for him during every CSK match, they’re also unknowingly applauding one of India’s most astute businessmen. Whether it’s building brands or nurturing startups, “Captain Cool” continues to lead from the front.