Former Indian captain MS Dhoni celebrated his 39th birthday on Tuesday (July 07) at his native place in Ranchi. The small-town wonder is undoubtedly the most prominent captain ever to put on the Indian jersey. Even before the clock struck 12 in the midnight, the fans across the nation poured the social media platform with heartfelt, celebratory messages.
Despite not featuring in international cricket for over a year, the former Indian skipper’s fandom in the cricketing world remains unmatched.
The stylish Indian-opener Rohit Sharma posted a nostalgic picture with Dhoni where both of them, wearing glamorous sunglasses, are taking refreshment in the ground.
Rohit wrote, “Cooling off with Mr Cool. Happy birthday @msdhoni.”
Cooling off with Mr Cool. Happy birthday @msdhoni. pic.twitter.com/fZQgGGRcD4
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 7, 2020
Rohit had earlier recognised the vital role Dhoni played in transforming the Mumbai Indians skipper from an ordinary to a world-class batsman.
“I believe the decision to open in ODIs changed my career and it was a decision taken by MS Dhoni. I became a better batsman after that. In fact it helped me understand my game better, react better according to situations,” Rohit had said.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya came up with a quirky but sentimental post, acknowledging Dhoni’s contribution to make him a better person.
“Happy birthday to my Bittu from your Chittu. My friend who has taught me to be a better human being and stood by me in bad times @msdhoni,” Pandya tweeted.
Happy birthday to my Bittu from your Chittu 🤗 My friend who has taught me to be a better human being and stood by me in bad times @msdhoni 😘❤️ #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/WfoRkMmAuo
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) July 6, 2020
Dhoni took over the posts of captaincy in 2007, leading India to ICC T20 World Cup triumph in the same year. Later on, he won both ODI World Cup in 2011 and Champions Trophy in 2013, making a world record of winning all three ICC-organised tournaments as a captain.
The Government of India bestowed him with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2007 for his immense contribution to the sport. The World Cup-winning skipper hasn’t played international cricket since featuring in India’s semi-final defeat against New Zealand in ICC World Cup 2019.
