MS Dhoni’s ‘Captain Cool’ Trademark Gets Official Nod

MS Dhoni, one of cricket’s most revered figures, has taken a significant step in formalising his iconic moniker as his application to trademark the phrase “Captain Cool” has been officially accepted and published by the Trademark Registry of India. The development marks another milestone in Dhoni’s legacy, with the title long associated with his composed and strategic leadership on the field.

The trademark, which covers categories related to sports training, coaching, and the provision of sports-related services, was accepted on June 16, 2025. It will be officially granted if no objections are filed by third parties within 120 days of the acceptance. The application, originally filed in June 2023, faced an initial hurdle when the registry pointed out that Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited had already registered the name. In response, Dhoni initiated a rectification petition, accusing the company of attempting to exploit the brand value associated with his name.

“This is a case of bad faith registration on the part of the company, aimed at deceiving the public and unlawfully enriching themselves by trading on the name of a well-known individual,” Dhoni stated in his filing. After at least four hearings, the application was successfully accepted, paving the way for the official recognition of the nickname that has become synonymous with his cricketing persona.

Widely hailed for his composure under pressure, Dhoni earned the “Captain Cool” tag during his illustrious international career. He remains the only captain in the history of cricket to have won all three ICC white-ball trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup with a young and inexperienced squad, the 2011 ODI World Cup on home soil, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His tactical calmness and ability to transform tense moments into triumphs became the hallmark of his leadership.

Beyond his captaincy, MS Dhoni revolutionized the art of finishing matches in ODI cricket, becoming the gold standard for composure under pressure. His unbeaten 183* off just 145 balls against Sri Lanka in 2005, chased under lights in Jaipur, was a breakthrough innings that announced his arrival on the world stage. That knock, still the highest individual score by a wicketkeeper in ODIs, demonstrated his ability to dismantle bowling attacks with both brute force and tactical precision.

Over the years, Dhoni honed his craft as a finisher, often timing his acceleration to perfection in tight run-chases. With 10,773 ODI runs at an astounding average of 50.57—including 10 centuries and 73 fifties—he combined reliability with flair. His strike rate of nearly 88 was a testament to his aggressive intent, even while playing the role of an anchor. Time and again, he showcased an uncanny ability to stay calm in high-pressure scenarios, famously finishing several matches with last-ball sixes, none more iconic than his World Cup-winning six against Sri Lanka in 2011 at Wankhede Stadium.

In T20 Internationals, Dhoni added another 1,617 runs across 98 matches, often shepherding India’s innings during tense middle overs and steering them home with late flurries. His finishing abilities weren’t limited to the international stage. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni’s reputation only grew stronger as he led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles and became one of the most successful and respected captains in franchise cricket. With over 5,000 IPL runs and countless last-over finishes, he remained the heartbeat of the CSK lineup for over a decade.

Behind the stumps, Dhoni brought innovation and efficiency to wicketkeeping, turning routine dismissals into highlight-reel moments. His no-look run-outs, split-second stumpings, and glove work against spinners were unmatched. Over the course of his international career, he effected 829 dismissals (634 catches and 195 stumpings) across formats, the most by any Indian wicketkeeper and among the highest globally. His sharp cricketing brain often influenced field placements and bowling strategies even when he wasn’t officially leading the team.

The 43-year-old last took the field during the 2025 Indian Premier League season, stepping in as captain of Chennai Super Kings mid-season after an injury ruled out Ruturaj Gaikwad. While his leadership brought stability, the team endured an unusually poor campaign and finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Dhoni’s presence on the field continued to draw massive crowds, a reflection of the respect and admiration he commands in world cricket.