MS Dhoni set to launch 18 cricket academies globally

Former skipper MS Dhoni is a cult figure in India. Although he relinquished captaincy, he could still be seen making contributions to the team in terms of strategising alongside present skipper Virat Kohli. The wicketkeeper has been a constant source of support both on and off the pitch.

And Dhoni made the headlines yet again, this time for his contribution to the sport off the pitch. The 36-year-old, in a wonderful initiative, is aiming to launch 18 cricket academies under his banner across the world. The former Indian captain has plans to set up six cricket academies in India, while the other 12 will be global cricket academies.

Dhoni launched the second Mahendra Singh Dhoni Global Cricket Academy (MSDGCA) in Singapore on Saturday. The first MSDGCA is already operational in Dubai. The gloveman himself will conduct a training session with the 400 trainees registered at the Singapore Academy.

Known for his famous helicopter shot, Dhoni already has functional academies in the Lucknow, Varanasi and the steel city of Bokaro. The next one is planned for Patna. The series of global academies will come up in Durban, Sydney, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and a number of Middle East nations.

The coaching staff will be led by Singapore national team captain

Singapore national team captain Chetan Suryavanshi, a level 3 coach from the Asian Cricket Council, will be the head coach. Dhoni will also be actively involved with the academies and the development of the students as and when he gets an opportunity from his national commitments.

Josh Gosh is managing the Mahendra Singh Dhoni Cricket Academies under the supervision of Mihir Diwakar.

Dhoni’s first academy already operational

Earlier, last year in November, Dhoni inaugurated his flagship academy in Dubai. This marks a milestone for the UAE’s development in cricket as the academy will help nurture and cultivate the brewing talent of the country which would, in turn, enrich their national team. Former Mumbai bowler Vishal Mahadik has been bestowed with the role of leading the coaching staff.