Barring Sachin Tendulkar, no other cricketer from India comes even close to the kind of popularity and fanbase Mahendra Singh Dhoni has enjoyed over the years. Coming from the cricketing backwaters - the mining state of Jharkhand, Dhoni's home-made batting and wicket-keeping technique, and a style of captaincy that scales the highs and lows of both conservatism and unorthodoxy have undoubtedly propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport.

While his marauding stroke-play adds teeth to the Indian middle-order, Dhoni's lightening-quick glovework makes him a nemesis for the opposition batsmen. When it comes to his leadership skills, the fact that India have swept the top honours in all formats - the No. 1 Test ranking for 18 months (starting December 2009), the ICC World Cup in 2011 and the World T20 on his captaincy debut in 2007 - puts him high in the list of the country's most successful captains.

© BCCL

Though his exploits on the field and cricketing skills are enough to make him a fan-favourite, Dhoni's sense of style and especially his unique hairdos have been a huge hit with the spectators. The Jharkhand cricketer burst on to the international scene with long hair and then, immediately after winning the 2007 World T20, he shaved his head.

Since then, Dhoni has sported almost all kinds of haircuts. He was seen donning a mohawk during the IPL, while his buzzcut rapidly became a popular choice for his fans. Amongst all the hairdos he has ever had, his iconic long-haired look has always stood out. So much so that former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf once told Dhoni not to cut his hair.

© YouTube

Today, Dhoni is no longer the Indian captain and his long hair paved way for a more mature look. But, in a welcoming surprise to his fans, Dhoni turned back the clock by sporting the long-haired look for a television commercial.

. Who wore the skirt better? With my main man @mahi7781 . . LOng Hair and Makeup by @madowothair . . . . #bumbaikirani #sapnabhavnani #msdhoni #dhoni #mahi #madowothair #madowotsalon #hair #celebrityhairstylist #longhair #bandra #snickers #shootlife #meninskirts #gladiator #menshair #mensfashion #inked #mumbaikar #mumbai #breakthenet #HAF #hot #boomerang #votd #picoftheday

A post shared by sapna moti bhavnani (@sapnamotibhavnani) on Mar 4, 2018 at 2:25am PST

The 36-year-old, dressed in the gladiator-like costume, was seen speaking to his teammates in rather animated fashion - uttering 'Bhojpuri' words - and calling his cricket bat a sword before asking his team to prepare for an assault on the opposition.

Long Hair Mahii ðð

Thank u @sapnabhavnani  for the video pic.twitter.com/UQNdogyxu2

— Dhoni Raina Team (@dhoniraina_team) March 5, 2018

While the advertisement seems to have adequately served the purpose of the makers, it also left the fans nostalgic with a glimpse of the old Mahi. Dhoni's look eventually became a topic of great discussion as fans lined up on the social media to give their opinion.

I still love mahi's long hair instead of short hairðð

— Rahul Kumar Shaw (@RahulKu09540450) March 4, 2018

Now the real hitter Dhoni is back

— Agam Singh Dhir (@AgamDhir) March 3, 2018

I love Ur long hair . When you will come back in long hair we want to see u in long hair

— Sudhir Singh (@SudhirS38508587) March 5, 2018

MS Dhoni's latest avatar: brand ambassador for Snickers. Looks like an amalgamation of Thor, Bahubali and Spartacus. pic.twitter.com/H51wz9spKM

— Jamie Alter (@jamie_alterTOI) March 5, 2018

I think he looks like a lame villain from Shaktiman!ð¤¨

— Aparna Mudi (@AparnaMudi) March 5, 2018

Should see in context of ad, as a standalone pic looks like a aging superstar trying to reclaim his lost youth. :-D

— kgrao (@kgrao1980) March 5, 2018

Dhoni's snickers ad reminded me of @ChennaiIPL 2008 poster. Good old days pic.twitter.com/rNcJxI9sOS

— Naveen Samy (@ImNsamy) March 3, 2018

@msdhoni in a new Avatar!
Once again with long hair for an ad!
Thank you @Snickers_IN for this ad!#MSDhoni#Dhonipic.twitter.com/yDM7v2XlOb

— Bappa Samui (@bappamsdian) March 3, 2018

M S Dhoni new look :)
Long hair, golden daysð
He was even suggested not to cut his hairs by the ex-president of Pakistan.

Watch commercial https://t.co/hvIV0joJfo#MSDhoni

— Sumitesh Kumar (@IMsumiteshkr) March 3, 2018