MS Dhoni’s bid to lock down the nickname that has followed him for almost two decades has cleared its biggest hurdle. The Indian Trademark Registry has formally accepted and published his application for ‘Captain Cool’, setting the clock ticking on a 120-day window for objections. If nobody files a challenge before mid-October, the mark becomes his.
The former India skipper lodged the paperwork back in June 2023. At the time, officials pointed out that Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited already owned the same phrase. Dhoni’s legal team responded with a rectification petition, accusing the company of freeloading on a reputation he built on the field. In his submission, Dhoni wrote: “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.”
Four hearings later, the registry sided with the World-Cup-winning captain. Intellectual-property lawyer Renu Singh believes the decision was predictable. “Prior use and public association play a huge role. Everyone from Ranchi to Rotorua knows who ‘Captain Cool’ is,” she said. “Unless someone can prove the term existed independently of Dhoni, objections are unlikely to stick.”
The application covers coaching, sports-training services and related merchandise. Marketing consultant Arjun Dutta sees commercial sense. “He already runs academies and a lifestyle label; owning the tag helps create a cleaner brand story,” Dutta explained.
On the cricket front, Dhoni’s last outing came in IPL 2025. He reclaimed the Chennai Super Kings armband midway through the campaign after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, only for the five-time champions to finish bottom for the first time. The 43-year-old has not ruled out another season, though nothing is confirmed.
Away from franchise struggles, recognition keeps rolling in. Earlier this month the ICC inducted him into its Hall of Fame. “It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world,” he said. “To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”
Should no rival stake a legal claim by the deadline, the ‘Captain Cool’ trademark will officially belong to the man who made icy finishes fashionable.
