Mumbai: The Indian cricket team has been guided by several great captains over more than nine decades since it was granted Test status way back in 1932.
But there’s been just one ‘Captain Cool’, a nickname that is unmistakably synonymous with Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Now, the former India captain has filed a trademark application for ‘Captain Cool’ as he seeks exclusive rights to use the term for sports training, coaching services and training centres.
According to the Trade Marks Registry portal, Dhoni’s application has been accepted and advertised. It was published in the official trademark journal on June 16, 2025.
“Delighted to share a recent development from the field of trademark law that underscores the evolving role of personality rights and acquired distinctiveness in overcoming relative grounds for refusal,” said Dhoni’s lawyer Mansi Aggarwal.
The journey wasn’t without hurdles, said Mansi.
When Dhoni first filed for the trademark, the Registry raised an objection under Section 11(1) of the Trade Marks Act. It was pointed out that there was a similar mark already on the record, and the phrase might confuse people.
However, Dhoni’s legal team made the point that ‘Captain Cool’ has a clear, unique link with him. They argued that the nickname has been widely used by fans and the media over several years and has become part of Dhoni’s public identity.
Mansi said the phrase ‘Captain Cool’ has acquired a distinct secondary meaning through a long-standing and widespread association with the former captain of the Indian national cricket team.
She also submitted that since the mark would be used for sports and entertainment services, it was very unlikely to create any confusion.
Dhoni led India in a record 332 matches, including 200 ODIs. His ability to remain ice-cool under any situation not only gave him that sobriquet, but also helped India win loads of games.
He holds the record for most number of wins by an Indian captain in ODIs.
Dhoni is also the only captain to have won three ICC titles — Champions Trophy (2013), ODI World Cup (2011) and T20 World Cup (2007).
What added to Dhoni’s aura was his leadership role in Chennai Super Kings, and the five IPL titles he led them to.
