Family denies Dhoni's Bollywood link-ups

New Delhi:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's family today dismissed his reported link-ups with film actresses but made it clear that they would have no problems if the charismatic Indian cricket captain, who turns 28 on Tuesday, decides to tie the knot with the girl of his choice.

Reacting to reports linking Dhoni to Bollywood star Deepika Padukone and south Indian actress Laxmi Rai, Dhoni's brother Narendra said that those were just media speculation.

"These are all media speculation. Mahi is very close to us and he shares everything with us. If he decides to marry someone, he will tell us before anybody else," he said.

Narendra said his family is not looking for girls and the cricketer was free to chose his life partner.

"We are not looking for a bride for Mahi. He is free to choose his life partner. We have left this decision on him. We will welcome his choice," he said.

"We don't mind if he prefers love marriage," he added.

In fact, Narendra said, there was no hurry to get Dhoni married and cricket topped his agenda at the moment.

"We are not at all in hurry. His priority is his career and he is just 28. Marriage can wait for a couple of years." Narendra said.

Rather, the family would love to see him guiding India to 2011 World Cup triumph, he said.

"We all wish that he plays many more years and Team India wins 2011 World Cup under his captaincy," Narendra said.

He said the family misses Dhoni when he is on tours but is happy that he has remained polite despite his overwhelming success.

"We miss him when he is not around but we all know that he is very busy and has responsibilities. We are proud of him.

"Mahi has worked very hard to be there. Today he is an icon but did not changed at all. Our parents taught us to be grounded and he never forgets this. He is the same old Mahi for us," said Narendra.