MS Dhoni Earns His Wings: What drove Mahi to become a certified drone pilot?

From cricket fields to the skies, MS Dhoni has earned a DGCA-certified drone pilot licence. What inspired the legendary captain to explore aviation, and how does this reflect his ever-evolving passion for technology and innovation?

New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India’s World Cup-winning captain, has once again proven that retirement is just a word for him. Known for his love of machines and technology, Dhoni has officially become a DGCA-certified drone pilot, completing his training at Garuda Aerospace’s Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) in Chennai.

Garuda Aerospace, one of India’s leading drone manufacturers, confirmed that Dhoni — who also serves as the company’s brand ambassador and investor — successfully finished the rigorous pilot certification program. His latest achievement highlights his continued curiosity for learning and exploring new frontiers beyond cricket.

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Passion for vintage cars and bikes

Dhoni’s fascination with machines has been well known for years. Whether it’s his enviable collection of vintage cars or his superbike rides through the streets of Ranchi, he has always displayed a deep mechanical curiosity.

Now, by mastering drone piloting, Dhoni has taken that passion to new heights — quite literally. His training involved advanced modules on drone operations, aerial navigation, and flight safety, further underlining his dedication to technological innovation.

What's Garuda Aerospace response on Dhoni’s achievement?

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, praised Dhoni’s commitment to the program, calling it a “monumental milestone” for the company.

“Having our brand ambassador and investor, MS Dhoni, personally undergo the training and get certified as a pilot is a huge moment for us,” Jayaprakash said. “He was extremely focused, quick to learn, and deeply involved in understanding every aspect of drone operation. His support and belief in our mission to revolutionise the drone industry are invaluable.”

Garuda Aerospace has so far trained over 2,500 drone pilots under DGCA guidelines, contributing to India’s growing drone ecosystem. Dhoni’s certification adds further credibility to the company’s vision of empowering skilled drone professionals across the country.

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A Soldier at Heart

Dhoni’s love for flying is no surprise to his fans. A proud admirer of the Indian Armed Forces, he was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army’s Parachute Regiment in 2011.

In 2019, he served a 15-day stint with his battalion in Jammu and Kashmir, performing duties such as patrolling and guard duty. Later, he qualified as a trained paratrooper, completing five jumps from an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

His transition from parachutes to drones shows how Dhoni continues to pursue new challenges with the same discipline that defined his cricketing career.

Life Beyond Cricket

Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has focused on his other interests — farming, automobiles, and now aviation. At his Ranchi farmhouse, he spends time cultivating crops, experimenting with farm equipment, and occasionally posting glimpses of his peaceful rural life.

Recently, he was spotted playing golf in the United States, sharing a game with US President Donald Trump — yet another reminder of how Dhoni’s curiosity and versatility continue to take him places, on and off the field.