In a heartwarming moment that delighted fans across sports, former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni attended the birthday celebration of his close friend and tennis coach, Surender Kumar, in Ranchi. The evening turned memorable not just for the presence of the cricketing icon, but also for the deep emotional connect on display between the friends.
The celebration was marked by a special tennis-themed cake, a tribute to Surender’s lifelong dedication to the sport. In an emotionally charged moment, Surender Kumar was seen shedding tears of joy while cutting the cake, surrounded by close friends and well-wishers. The most touching highlight came when Dhoni fed him the first bite, symbolizing their close bond and years of camaraderie. The video of the celebration was shared by Sumeet Kumar Bajaj — Dhoni’s regular tennis partner — on Instagram, quickly garnering love from fans across the nation.
Dhoni, an avid tennis lover, shares a deep and enduring bond with both Surender and Sumeet. Away from the cricket pitch, he passionately engages in the sport and has taken part in various local tournaments. Teaming up with Sumeet, Dhoni secured the men’s doubles title at the JSCA Tennis Championship in 2022, completing a hat-trick following their previous wins in 2020 and 2021. Their consistent victories reflect Dhoni’s dedication and talent in tennis, showcasing that his competitive drive goes far beyond the realm of cricket.
On the professional front, Dhoni was last seen donning the yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings during the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The recently introduced retention rules allowed CSK to keep the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore, much to the delight of the franchise’s fans.
While Dhoni’s future in professional cricket is still unclear, he continues to inspire with his energetic lifestyle, passion for multiple sports, and strong personal bonds. His quiet presence at a friend’s birthday, away from the glare of fame, reflects the humility that endears him to fans across all ages.
