Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
MS Dhoni has again topped the individual income taxpayer list in the Bihar-Jharkhand region for 2025-26, highlighting steady earnings and brand value even as speculation grows over whether Dhoni will appear for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for Bihar and Jharkhand, Dr. D. Sudhakar Rao, announced in Ranchi that Dhoni kept his position as the region’s highest individual taxpayer. Officials did not reveal the exact amount paid but confirmed that no other individual taxpayer from Bihar or Jharkhand matched Dhoni’s contribution this financial year.
MS Dhoni topped the Bihar-Jharkhand individual income taxpayer list for 2025-26, announced in Ranchi. Last fiscal year, Jharkhand generated approx. Rs 12,000 crore and Bihar Rs 8,000 crore in income tax, meeting the combined Rs 20,000 crore target.
MS Dhoni highest individual taxpayer and regional income tax performance
The tax department also outlined the wider revenue picture for the two states. Jharkhand generated about Rs 12,000 crore in income tax during the last financial year, while Bihar brought in close to Rs 8,000 crore. Together, they matched the combined target of Rs 20,000 crore set for the region.
Officials linked Jharkhand’s stronger share to the state’s industrial and commercial base, which helped sustain collections. Ranchi, Dhoni’s home city, remains a key centre within this network and continues to be closely associated with Dhoni’s rise from domestic cricket to leading India and Chennai Super Kings.
| Region | Income Tax Revenue (Last Financial Year) |
|---|---|
| Jharkhand | Approx. Rs 12,000 crore |
| Bihar | Approx. Rs 8,000 crore |
| Combined Target | Rs 20,000 crore |
MS Dhoni highest individual taxpayer status and IPL future
Dhoni’s off-field financial status contrasts with an uncertain playing role this IPL season. Dhoni is officially part of the Chennai Super Kings squad but has not yet played a match, with fitness concerns and injury management shaping discussions around a potential return to the XI during a crucial stage of the tournament.
Voices from within the franchise have suggested Dhoni may be close to full readiness. However, reports also indicate that Dhoni could avoid changing a settled side if Chennai gains rhythm and stays in contention for the playoffs, even if that means delaying or limiting Dhoni’s involvement on the field.
Despite limited match time, Dhoni’s influence at Chennai Super Kings remains strong in the dressing room and among supporters. Dhoni continues to draw attention through cricket, endorsements and business interests, and the latest tax recognition reinforces Dhoni’s status as one of India’s most visible and commercially successful sportspersons, particularly in Jharkhand and the wider region.
