Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sakshi attend Rishabh Pant sister’s wedding

Dubai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni swapped his Chennai Super Kings training kit for wedding attire as he took a brief detour from Indian Premier League preparations to attend a special celebration. The Super Kings icon arrived in Mussoorie with his wife, Sakshi, to be part of Rishabh Pant’s sister’s wedding, joining a star-studded guest list that included his former teammate Suresh Raina.

A family affair for the Pant household

Pant’s sister, Sakshi Pant, is set to tie the knot with long-time partner Ankit Choudhary today. She had announced her engagement on Instagram on January 6 last year, captioning the post with the hashtag “nine years and still counting,” indicating their long relationship.

Dhoni, who is revered as Thala (leader) by Chennai Super Kings fans, was accompanied at the wedding by his former CSK deputy Suresh Raina and Raina’s wife, Priyanka.

Rishabh Pant, fresh off India’s Champions Trophy triumph, flew in from Dubai to be part of his sister’s big day. The wicketkeeper-batter, though part of India’s squad, did not feature in the playing XI during the tournament.

Dhoni’s IPL focus remains sharp

Before heading to Mussoorie, Dhoni had been training at the CSK Academy as the five-time IPL champions gear up for the 2025 season. The Yellow Lions, now led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will begin their title defence against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at Chepauk on February 23.

Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has been a pillar for CSK, both on and off the field. Fans and the franchise alike will be hoping he extends his stay for a few more seasons.

A legend’s presence on and off the field

Whether in cricket stadiums or wedding halls, Dhoni’s presence never goes unnoticed. As he returns to the IPL grind, CSK fans will be eagerly waiting to see if Thala can guide them to yet another title.

— With inputs from ANI