New Delhi: Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is celebrating his 41st birthday on Thursday. The wicket-keeper batter marked his debut 2004 and went on to become one of the most successful captains.
Dhoni has earned a tag of 'Captain Cool' for his calm and composed nature in the most challenging circumstances on the field.
Wife Sakshi Dhoni took to Instagram to share a glimpse of his midnight birthday celebration.
Greeting started to pour in on social media for the most dynamic cricketer on his special day.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Jay Shah tweeted: "Happy birthday to the man whose understanding of the game and ways to tackle challenges is unmatched. Your ingrained confidence and attitude to lead from the front made us believe that #TeamIndia can win any game. Wishing you good health and happiness."
Dhoni's teammate and dear friend Suresh Raina shared a video collage with throwback pictures with Dhoni with a caption: "Happy Birthday to my big brother. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and mentor in every phase of life, may god bless you and your family with good health always. Much love to you mahi bhai. Wishing you a great year ahead!"
Virender Sehwag took to Twitter and shared birthday wish in his own style, "Till the time full stop doesn't come,a sentence isn't completed. Till the time Dhoni is at the crease,match isn't completed. Not all teams have the fortune to have a person like Dhoni, Happy B'day to a gem of a person & player,MS Dhoni. Om Helicopteraya Namaha."
Dhoni's name has been synonymous with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fondly referred to as 'Thala' by the people of Chennai, Dhoni has led the Yellow Brigade to 4 IPL and two Champions League T20 titles, and is one of the most decorated skippers in the history of the league.
Tami Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also extend a wish for 'Thala' and said: "Your unparalleled achievements have given hope to millions of youngsters from humble rural backgrounds to pursue their dreams. Eagerly waiting to see you play again in our own Chennai."
In an ODI career that spanned a decade and a half, MS Dhoni provided innumerable memories for fans. He played a whopping 350 ODI matches and scored 10773 runs in his career at an average of 50.58.
He also led India to two of their biggest ODI triumphs ever – the 2011 World Cup title, as well as the 2013 Champions Trophy title.
In his Test career after playing 90 matches, in which he scored 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09 he decided to retire form the longest format of the game.
After India's loss in the 2019 World Cup semifinal, Dhoni was never seen again in India colours; but continued to lead CSK in the IPL. In 2020, he announced his retirement from the international cricket. (Inputs from UNI)