MS Dhoni’s manager and childhood friend Mihir Diwakar on Tuesday (July 7) revealed that the former India skipper has decided not to do any commercial endorsements amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, Dhoni is busy with organic farming these days and will launch his own brand of environment-friendly fertilisers soon.
"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 farmland and he is busy growing organic crops like papaya, banana there," Diwakar told PTI about Dhoni, who turned 39 on July 7.
"He has stopped brand endorsements and has said that till life comes to normal, he won't do any commercial activity," he added.
"We have a team of experts and scientists and they have developed the fertiliser and it should be launched within two-three months,” he explained.
Diwakar, who runs the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy under the name of Aarka Sports, also revealed that Dhoni’s birthday celebration will be a quiet one this time around.
“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," he said.
It has been almost a year since Dhoni last played any form of competitive cricket. The World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand at Old Trafford was his last appearance in Team India colours.
The veteran wicketkeeper was set to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the BCCI to suspend the cash-rich event indefinitely.
Asked whether retirement has come across 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," he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
