'Papa se darr bohot lagta tha': MS Dhoni recalls his childhood

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 7, 2025, 18:06 IST

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni recently spoke about his disciplined childhood in Ranchi, influenced by his strict father, Pan Singh. Dhoni mentioned his fear of his father, which instilled a regimented mindset in him. He reflected on the simplicity of life in Ranchi and emphasised his dedication to India's success in cricket. Dhoni’s parents attended a recent CSK match against Delhi Capitals.

'Papa se darr bohot lagta tha': MS Dhoni recalls his childhood

MS Dhoni's parents Devaki Devi and Pan Singh with their granddaughter Ziva at Chepauk. (Pic credit: IPL)

NEW DELHI: Mahendra Singh Dhoni may be known today for his ice-cool composure on the cricket field, but the Chennai Super Kings legend recently opened up about a different side of his life — his early years in Ranchi, marked by discipline, routine, and a deep-rooted fear of his father.
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Speaking on a podcast with Raj Shamani, Dhoni delved into his childhood, revealing how his father, Pan Singh, played a pivotal role in shaping his regimented mindset. “Papa se darr bohot lagta tha,” Dhoni admitted. “He was very strict. He was regimented; always supposed to be on time. But that’s also why I am regimented.”
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Dhoni clarified that while his father was never abusive, his presence alone was enough to keep young Mahi in line. “My friends would climb walls in the colony, but I never dared. If my father sees, then we are gone! We never knew what the consequences would be, but we were afraid nevertheless.”

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The 43-year-old also reflected on the simplicity of life in Ranchi. “There was no insecurity in life. Everything was the same — same routine, no mobile phones, no showoff. There was a comfort in that sameness.”

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Known for his love of challenges, Dhoni added, “If we win the match without any drama and I don’t get to bat, I’m happy. I just want India to win. Who made the runs, who took wickets… I’m not bothered.”
On Saturday, Dhoni’s parents Pan Singh and Devaki Devi were in attendance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as CSK took on Delhi Capitals in the iPL 2025. Despite Dhoni scoring 30 against DC, CSK lost by 25 runs.

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TOI Sports Desk

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