Beat All Sports (BAS) owner Somi Kohli has revealed in a YouTube video uploaded on the Sports Launchpad channel that MS Dhoni didn't charge a single rupee for sponsorship during the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Dhoni was being sponsored by Indian company Spartan Sports, but his contract with the kit supplier ended before in the 2019 World Cup.
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During the tournament, which was Dhoni's ICC swansong, the-then 37-year-old was seen using bats with the BAS sticker on it (in addition to the Sanspareils Greenlands and Sunridges bats).
Now, in a video, BAS owner Somi Kohli reveals details unknown hitherto in a video that once again proves Dhoni's generosity and why he is an extremely respected figure.
MORE: How much will MS Dhoni earn in IPL 2024?
What did BAS owner Somi Kohli say about MS Dhoni?
Kohli revealed that he tried to convince Dhoni to allow BAS to pay him the sponsorship money, but the ex-captain simply didn't budge.
Dhoni didn't mention any money. He just said, 'Put your stickers on my bats and send them across'. I tried to convince him, 'You're letting go of such a lucrative contract'. He refused crores of rupees worth of contract. I request his wife Sakshi [Singh Dhoni], his father, mother. Even told his CA and Paramjit [Singh] from Ranchi. They all went to his home before the World Cup. But he said, 'No, it is my decision'.
MS Dhoni didn't take single rupee to promote BAS in 2019 WC. I requested him a lot but he didn't.
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) February 14, 2024
- Somi Kohli BAS owner pic.twitter.com/26bSFaFqca
Fans' curiosity has been aroused by Dhoni's most recent bat sticker ahead of IPL 2024. The Chennai Super Kings skipper, who seems to be preparing for his last IPL, has chosen to display the 'Prime Sports' sticker on his willow as a heartfelt way of thanking everyone who has helped him throughout his incredible career.
Prime Sports' owner, Paramjit Singh, applauded the gesture and described it as a sign of true friendship.
Fun fact: Dhoni's first international century, which came on April 5, 2005, against Pakistan in Vizag, was notched up by using the BAS bat. MSD scored 148 runs off 123 balls as India defeated their rivals by 58 runs.
MORE: Why does Dhoni have a new sponsor on his bat?
What next for MS Dhoni?
The 42-year-old will be seen in action in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League as he is set to lead the Chennai Super Kings.
Many have speculated MSD's future. However, there's this feeling that IPL 2024 will be Dhoni's final season. As such, his fans will hope that Dhoni helps CSK defend their crown after they won their record-equalling fifth IPL title in 2023.
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