Dhoni’s admission form. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, Sept. 4: Team India’s ODI skipper has decided to put away the coveted blue jersey and don formals in black and white. He has also settled for a number more weighty than his favourite seven. And all this because one of the most eligible bachelors of the country is looking for a bachelor’s degree.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has taken admission at St Xavier’s College, Ranchi, to pursue a course in office management and secretarial practices (OM&SP). The formalities for his induction were completed in a hush-hush ceremony on August 5. Dhoni had had to deposit Rs 10,000 for the three-year course. If he qualifies, the Ranchi University will award him a BCom certificate in vocational studies.

Dhoni is expected to attend classes in white shirt paired with black trousers. His roll number will be 1105. “Seven is Dhoni’s lucky number. His roll number has been selected in such a way that the digits add up to seven,” said Nicolas Tete, principal of the college, which is the only autonomous one in the state.

Dhoni completed his Plus Two from DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in 1999 and took admission at Gossner College. But he had to discontinue studies to pursue his passion for cricket. So, while there is celebration at St Xavier’s today, the mood is sombre at Gossner. “Dhoni is an international star. All we can do is wish St Xavier’s best of luck,” said Siddharth Kumar Ecka, principal of Gossner College.

A nine-year break in his academic career notwithstanding, the ace cricketer’s intermediate marksheet reveals that he fetched an aggregate of 59.2 per cent. Tete said Dhoni had been provided with study material and the chancellor's office had been approached to relax attendance and exam rules. This is done under the distinguished sportsperson scheme at St Xavier’s.

The first semester of the course has kicked off, but it is understood that Dhoni would not be able to attend most of the classes. “However, we expect him to say ‘hello’ to his batchmates,” the principal said. Though Dhoni can skip classes, he would have to appear for each semester exam. The college would hold special tests if the original exam schedule clashes with match dates.

Jayant Sinha, dean, students’ welfare, said a star like Dhoni wishing to continue his studies was a welcome decision and the college would help him in every way.

There was celebration at St Xavier’s as students came to know that they would have Dhoni as alumni. “It is like a dream. Girls will drool once he is here. We will have great fun,” said Sagarika, a student. The authorities, meanwhile, are apprehensive. Dhoni’s popularity may jeopardise the academic ambience, they fear.