On Tuesday (July 7), former Indian captain MS Dhoni turned 39. Birthday wishes poured in on the social networking sites, with his family, friends, colleagues and fans, penning down heartfelt birthday messages for him. As per reports in TOI, Indian cricketers and brothers, Hardik and Krunal Pandya flew to Ranchi in a charted plane to give Dhoni a surprise on his birthday amidst of coronavirus-forced lockdown in the country. The two took off to Ranchi from Vadodara in a chartered aircraft and made a surprise visit to the veteran stumper.
Abiding rules of the central government, Hardik and Krunal were seen sporting surgical masks as they moved out of the airport, accompanying them was Krunal’s wife, Pankhuri Sharma.
Wow ! So this is for Real.
Hardik Pandya & Krunal Pandya are in Ranchi to with and celebrate with the Birthday Boy @msdhoni #HardikPandya #KrunalPandya #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/xJyNgm1rH6
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) July 7, 2020
While Hardik’s wife Nataša Stankovic was not seen with the trio and hence it can be assumed she was back at their home. Natasha is expecting her first child soon.
As Hardik, Krunal and Pankhuri landed at the airport, they continued to follow the social distancing norms and did not accept any bouquets or shook hands with anyone. They straight headed to their car and zoomed off to Dhoni’s farmhouse which is 10 km away from the airport.
Cricketers Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya reach #Ranchi to congratulate Dhoni and celebrate his birthday. Celebrations have been organised at Dhoni's farmhouse situated in Simliya in Ranchi.#DhoniBirthdayCelebrations pic.twitter.com/DSaSBUFfbE
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 7, 2020
“It’s a sweet gesture by the two. I did not know about it but, I can tell you their (the Pandyas) heart is at the right place,” Shishir Hattangadi, CEO of the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) was quoted as saying by Mumbai Mirror.
Meanwhile, Hardik had informed the BCCI officials regarding his trip to Ranchi, as per the mandatory instructions. Also, as per the compulsory protocol to be followed by people in Ranchi, the Pandya family need to give an undertaking about their return journey, which will take place in 72 hours of their recent visit.