Former India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni turned 40 on 7th July. Many wishes poured in from all parts of the country as wells as cricket fraternity from across the world.
“Happy birthday skip”, wrote India captain Virat Kohli on social media as he posted a picture with MS Dhoni from the 2011 World Cup final.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted wishing the former skipper, “A legend and an inspiration! Here’s wishing former #TeamIndia captain @msdhoni a very happy birthday. #HappyBirthdayDhoni,” BCCI tweeted.
Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina, tweeted a photo montage with Mahi. Writing “Wishing you a very happy birthday @msdhoni You have been a friend, brother & a mentor to me, all one could ever ask for. May God bless you with good health & long life! Thank you for being an iconic player & a great leader. #HappyBirthdayDhoni”
However the Indian youngster Devddutt Padikkal had the best tribute to legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. Padikkal who shares his birthday with the former Team India skipper is gearing up for the white-ball series in Sri Lanka.
While celebrating his birthday with his team, Padikkal took a pause before cutting his cake and delivered a special message to Dhoni on behalf of the Team India side.
Wishing Dhoni on his special day before cutting his own birthday cake Padikkal said, “Before I cut the cake, I would like to wish Mahi Bhai on behalf of the entire Indian team. He has been an inspiration for all of us and to share his birthday with him is a great feeling. Happy birthday,” Padikkal said in his heartfelt message for captain cool.
Dhoni, who made his international debut against Bangladesh in 2004, has played 538 matches across formats during his 16-year-long career. He played 350 One-Day Internationals, 90 Tests and 98 Twenty20 Internationals for India.
Often dubbed as the greatest leader in the history of Indian cricket Mahi is the only captain to have won all three ICC trophies.
Dhoni recorded his last appearance in Indian jersey at the ICC World Cup 2019. On August 15, 2020, he took to Instagram to announce his retirement from international cricket. “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” Dhoni posted a video on Instagram featuring snippets from his career.
