BCCI pays tribute to MS Dhoni after announcing India squad for Down Under

Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings colleague Kedar Jadhav took to Twitter early Tuesday morning to wish Captain MSD a glorious year. And the all-rounder poured it all out, in a heartfelt letter that was addressed to his "best friend, team-mate and captain". The 35-year-old cricketer from Maharashtra compared Mahi to a “lighthouse … that symbolises a way forward, strength and a source of guidance, just like you.” He thanked him for being around and standing strong like a lighthouse when subjected to “immense scrutiny at times”. He also mentioned that during the lockdown he has been binge-watching all the previous matches, and recalled MSD’s “tips from behind the stumps, our off the field bonding.”

Another of his CSK colleagues literally did a song and dance about MSD on his birthday. Caribbean player Dwayne Bravo released the trailer of a "helicopter song" based on the former Team India skipper's cricketing journey. The 36-year-old player from the West Indies, who shares a crackling chemistry with Dhoni, both on and off the field, took to Instagram to share his work of art about Dhoni's various achievements on the pitch. Dhoni, who started off as a ticket collector with the Indian Railways, is only the first captain to win all three major ICC trophies for his country.

Sakshi Singh Dhoni showered mushy greetings on her husband via an Instagram post that caught Dhoni in various moods. From bonding and frollicking with his dogs to staring at the evening skyline, Mrs Dhoni captioned it, with a bit of mush: “Marking the date you were born, another year older, greyed a bit more, become smarter and sweeter. (Literally ????)
Elaborating on his enigma and Captain Cool charm, she wrote that her husband was “a man who will not be moved by all the sweet wishes and gifts.”

And of course, she knows him best!

Team India skipper Virat Kohli kept it short and simple, as he wished the July-born ‘Mahi Bhai’ health and happiness on social media. The Delhi player posted a collage of three pictures in which the two are shown to be bonding with each other on the field, and post-match victory. Contrary to rumours, the two have shared an easy rapport.

Former colleagues Virender Sehwag (top left) and VVS Laxman (top right) wished the Ranchi cricketer on social media. Viru’s wish read:"Once in a generation, a player comes and a nation connects with him, think of him as a member of their family, kuch bahut apna sa lagta hai. Happy Birthday to a man who is the world ( Dhoni-ya ) for his many admirers.".

Others who showed their love for one of India’s most cool and composed captains were Hardik Pandya (bottom left), Suresh Raina and Kuldeep Yadav. Calling Dhoni "Bittu", Pandya thanked Dhoni him for "standing by me in bad times".

"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.

Rohit Sharma (bottom right) wished him as the “best captain India ever had ... Smiling face with open mouth and smiling eyes.” Mohammad Shami, calling him an inspiration, said that he does cherish every moment spent with him on the field and off it. In 2013, Dhoni became the only skipper to lay hands on all three major ICC trophies after he led India to 2013 Champions Trophy in England.

Sunfeast YiPPee!, a noodle brand from the ITC stable, released a unique digital collage of its brand ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni on his birthday. For a week in the run-up to his birthday, the round and non-sticky noodles brand had urged MSD fans to share pictures with YiPPee! on their personal social media profiles, along with a message while using #MSDBirthdayWithYiPPee. And the results were there today to see, with the ad being placed front-page in the Times Of India.