IPL 2025: Why MS Dhoni Called Mohit Sharma ‘Maria Sharapova’? DC Pacer Reveals The Reason

In the glitzy world of Indian cricket, stories often emerge that go beyond runs and wickets. They blend humour, heart, and the relentless pursuit of redemption. One such tale belongs to Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who recently opened up about a playful nickname gifted to him by none other than MS Dhoni, the legendary captain and cricketing brain behind Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It’s a nickname that sounds straight out of a tennis grand slam: “Maria Sharapova.”

While it may sound bizarre at first, the story behind the name is both hilarious and endearing—highlighting the camaraderie between players and offering a window into the light-hearted environment Dhoni cultivates around him. But beyond the nickname, Mohit’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testimony to resilience, humility, and an undying passion for the game.

The “Maria Sharapova” Nickname: Dhoni’s Humour Meets Mohit’s Grunt

In a candid conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Mohit Sharma recently pulled the curtain back on a long-standing inside joke within the Indian dressing room. The origin? His distinct grunt during his bowling delivery stride.

“Lawn tennis waali [Like in tennis]! I’m not sure how it came about. I try to stop it, but it is what it is,” Mohit said with a chuckle, acknowledging the quirk he’s carried since his early bowling days. And who better to notice than the ever-observant MS Dhoni?

The former India skipper, known for his sharp wit and fondness for nicknames, drew a parallel between Mohit’s loud grunts and that of Maria Sharapova, the Russian tennis superstar known worldwide for her intense vocal expressions during play.

“Mahi bhai nicknamed me Maria Sharapova. He used to say: ‘You grunt as loud as some of the tennis players,’” Mohit recalled, clearly amused by the memory.

He added, “I’d say: ‘With the grunt, batsmen will feel the ball will come at 145-150kph even though the ball comes slower, so it is a plus point for me!’”

That blend of humour and tactical thinking reveals the essence of Mohit Sharma—grounded, aware of his limitations, and always ready to turn them into strengths.

The Humble Beginnings and Rise to the Indian Team

Mohit Sharma’s rise in Indian cricket was not meteoric, but rather a product of grit and perseverance. Born in Ballabhgarh, Haryana, Mohit’s ability to swing the ball and bowl tight spells in the Powerplay caught attention during the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy season, where he was one of the leading wicket-takers.

That performance earned him an IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings in 2013, and under the watchful eye of MS Dhoni, Mohit blossomed. His ability to maintain line and length, mixed with deceptive slower balls, made him a reliable asset.

By 2014, Mohit was wearing the India jersey. He represented the country in 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is, even being part of the squad for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. But after 2015, things began to fade.

The Disappearance and Struggle Beyond the Spotlight

Post-2015, Mohit Sharma’s name slowly faded from the headlines. Injuries, loss of form, and younger pacers bursting onto the scene meant the fast bowler was pushed to the sidelines. While he did play for a few IPL franchises, including Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab, he wasn’t the frontline pacer anymore.

By 2022, Mohit’s cricketing career had reached an uncertain juncture. No one was talking about him in the same breath as India prospects, and he wasn’t even in IPL line-ups. Instead, he joined Gujarat Titans as a net bowler. Most would’ve seen it as the end. But Mohit? He saw it as a restart.

IPL 2023: The Comeback No One Saw Coming

Cricket fans love a good redemption story, and IPL 2023 gave us one for the ages. From net bowler to becoming the second-highest wicket-taker of the season, Mohit Sharma’s comeback was nothing short of cinematic.

Selected in the Gujarat Titans squad, Mohit delivered impactful performances throughout the tournament. With his signature discipline and clever variations, he picked up 27 wickets in 14 matches, making him one of the most valuable assets for the Titans.

But it was the IPL 2023 Final that became his defining moment.

Bowling the last over against Chennai Super Kings, his former team, Mohit had to defend 13 runs. With Ravindra Jadeja on strike, the match tilted in Gujarat’s favour until the final two deliveries. A six over long-on, then a four flicked past short fine leg—Jadeja stole the crown from Gujarat’s grasp, but Mohit walked away with his head held high.

His spell in the final may not have brought him the trophy, but it earned him respect—from fans, teammates, and cricketing greats.

IPL 2025: Representing Delhi Capitals

In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Mohit Sharma is donning the blue of Delhi Capitals. At 36, he may not be leading the wicket charts, but his presence brings depth, experience, and leadership to a young bowling unit.

So far, he has played five matches, taking two wickets—modest numbers, sure. But Mohit’s impact goes beyond statistics. In a dressing room filled with emerging fast bowlers, he’s the experienced voice, the mentor figure, the one who’s been there and done that.

His off-field persona, complete with humorous stories, warm camaraderie, and grounded personality, continues to win hearts.

The Dhoni-Mohit Bond: A Tale of Trust and Lighthearted Moments

Mohit’s nickname story highlights more than just MS Dhoni’s sense of humour—it reflects a deep mutual respect. For a pacer to earn such affection from Captain Cool, it takes more than a bowling grunt. Dhoni trusted Mohit to execute tight spells in pressure situations—especially during CSK’s glory years.

It’s these seemingly trivial moments—a funny nickname, a dressing room joke, a shared laugh—that often become the most cherished memories. It’s a world where professional respect is blended with personal affection, where the locker room becomes a sanctuary of belonging.

Legacy Beyond Numbers

If you look purely at numbers, Mohit Sharma’s international career might seem modest—31 international matches, over 90 IPL wickets (and counting), and a few standout seasons. But his legacy isn’t just in stats.

His story represents the soul of cricket—a game that allows comebacks, that rewards patience, and that gives space for individuality (even if it comes with a tennis-style grunt!).

He may not headline every commercial or dominate every match, but Mohit Sharma has carved out a place for himself in the IPL’s heartland. From his bond with Dhoni to his return from obscurity, he remains an example for any cricketer fighting for one more chance, one more game, one more roar.

From Sharapova to Sharma – A Journey of Heart

In the theatre of the IPL, where players become legends overnight and careers vanish in a blink, Mohit Sharma’s tale is refreshingly human. It’s about a cricketer who laughed at himself, accepted his quirks, and turned perceived oddities into psychological advantages.

MS Dhoni calling him “Maria Sharapova” might’ve started as a harmless joke, but it represents something more—the unique personalities that make cricket more than just a game. It’s the blend of banter and belief, humour and hustle, that truly defines the IPL and the players we love.

Mohit’s grunt may echo across stadiums, but it’s his journey—the fight, the faith, and the fun—that truly resounds in the hearts of cricket fans.

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