Seemant Lohani, Chittu for short, is not only a childhood buddy of MS Dhoni but has also played an integral part in the management of MS Dhoni’s business affairs. These include the contracts for endorsements and the operation of Dhoni’s cricket academy, meaning that these business moves serve the purpose of ensuring that the off-field success of the former Indian captain is commensurate with his on-field success.

Childhood Friendship

MS Dhoni, the former Team India captain and now the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is carved in the annals of cricketing history. However, binding Maindra’s dramatic rise to success has been an equally strong backing from the other side; one very important cog in his wheel is Seemant Lohani.

Chittu and Dhoni have remained fast friends since their school days in Ranchi, Jharkhand (earlier Bihar). They came from a middle-class background and had something in common: a passion for bikes. Lohani, in an interview with The Times of India, recounted how they spent their younger days roaming on their bikes around the city, enjoying the street food, thereby forging a strong, unbreakable bond.

A Silent Force Behind Dhoni’s Success

Chittu was with Dhoni through every phase of his career, especially during the tough ones. He was a major source of inspiration to lift the spirits of Dhoni in tough days with encouragement. In the early days of Dhoni, Chittu was the one who would pick him up from college and drop him to state team practice sessions, thus keeping him focused on cricket.

Dhoni’s close friends – Chittu and his friends from Ranchi – were always there for Dhoni in his career and supported him in remaining focused and overcoming hurdles.

A Business Partnership besides Friendship

With the flourishing of Dhoni’s career, this friendship turned into a thriving business partnership. Seemant Lohani is now in charge of running the cricket academy for Dhoni and his endorsement contracts keep the brand active post-retirement.

Lohani continually follows Dhoni on visits to Ranchi, for business meetings, and contributes to widening their business empire. From early childhood companions to trusted business partners, the bond between MS Dhoni and Seemant Lohani stands testament to friendship, loyalty, and shared dreams.