An image of Dhoni in the head and in a monk’s cloak spread on social media, with several netizens claiming that the former container-batsman was initiated into Buddhism.
MS Dhoni (Credit: Twitter)
Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s experiments with trendy hairstyles and looks have always set new fashion goals for young people.
But the last one has stumped a lot on social media! An image of Dhoni in the head and in a monk’s cloak spread on social media, with several netizens claiming that the former container-batsman was initiated into Buddhism.
Many Facebook users posted the picture with a caption in Hindi. Look at the photo referred to below.
It translates into: ‘World Cup winner and former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has converted to Buddhism. Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami ”
India Today Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) found the viral claim to be misleading. This photo of Dhoni in a monk-like avatar is for a “Star Sports” campaign. The sports channel posted this image and a video of Dhoni on social media and invited people’s reactions.
The archived versions of the posts are stored here, here and here.
Secret behind Dhoni’s new avatar
Dhoni’s new look has already created a flutter on social media. But it’s actually a campaign by Star Sports. The campaign features Dhoni in a monk-like appearance and asks people what they think the cricketer’s ‘new avatar’ is about.
Start Sports is the official broadcaster of the Indian Premier League from 9 April.
– our faces since we saw #MSDhoni‘s new avatar that can only break the internet! What do you think this is about? pic.twitter.com/Mx27w3uqQh
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 13 March 2021
Star Sports also posted a short video clip of Dhoni teasing viewers about the mantra behind the new avatar.
AFWA spoke to Arun Pandey, known as a friend, confidant and business partner of Dhoni.
Pandey dismissed Dhoni’s viral claim that he had converted to Buddhism: “It’s just a new Star Sports campaign and nothing else.”
Therefore, the viral claim that Dhoni converted to Buddhism is misleading. The viral image is just a campaign by IPL broadcaster Star Sports.
ClaimFormer Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was initiated into Buddhism. ClosureThis photo of Dhoni in a monk-like avatar is for a “Star Sports” campaign. The sports channel posted this image and a video of Dhoni on social media and invited people’s reaction.
JHOOTH BOLE KAUVA KAATE
The number of crows determines the intensity of the lie.
- 1 Crow: Half true
- 2 crows: mostly lies
- 3 crows: absolutely false
