'Unassuming style ... humble beginnings ... a phenomenon'. In 2-page letter, PM Modi thanks MSD for inspiring India's youth who've not been to 'cushy schools or colleges'
Calling him a New India icon, the PM also hoped that Dhoni will now get to spend time with his daughter Ziva.
By ET Online |
Agencies
The PM concluded the letter by wishing Dhoni all the best for his future endeavours.
Days after announcing his retirement from iternational cricket, ace batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni took to Twitter to share a letter of appreciation that he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his letter, PM Modi spoke at length about Dhoni's incredible accomplishments. Dhoni shared the letter with his followers, captioning it, 'thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes.'
In his tweet, the legendary batsman talked about how an artist, a soldier and a sportsperson crave for appreciation and their hard work and dedication getting noticed and appreciated by everyone.
An Artist,Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getti… https://t.co/YfZlyopymU
PM Modi began the letter by addressing how Dhoni announced his retirement in his trademark 'unassuming style' by sharing a short video on Instagram. He then went on to say that one way to look at Dhoni's career is through the prism of statistics, which only validate his immense prowess as a cricketer.
Dwelving deep into the statistics, PM Modi goes through Dhoni's incredible achievements one-by-one, but soon concludes that looking at Dhoni through the lends of a sportsperson will be 'injustice'. "The correct way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon!" the PM noted.
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Reflecting on how Dhoni comes from humble beginnings, the PM emphasised on how the skipper burst into the national scene and made a name for himself through his hard work. "Where we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed - this is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many youngsters with." On a light-hearted note, the PM hoped that Dhoni's daughter Ziva and wife Sakshi, get to spend more time with him. Dhoni's association with the Indian armed forces also found a mention in the PM's letter. The 39-year-old cricketer holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army and had also trained with the Parachute Regiment following the ouster in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals against New Zealand. "You were most happy being among our army personnel. Your concern towards their welfare has always been remarkable," wrote the PM.
On a light-hearted note, the PM hoped that Dhoni's daughter Ziva and wife Sakshi, get to spend more time with him. The PM also conveyed his best wishes to them, because 'without their sacrifices and support, nothing would have been possible'.
"I remember seeing a picture of you playing with your cute daughter even as everyone around you was celebrating a victory in a particular tournament. That is vintage MS Dhoni," wrote the PM.
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He concluded the letter by wishing Dhoni all the best for his future endeavours.
Dhoni Turns 39! Kedar Jadhav’s Letter To ‘Lighthouse’ MSD, Bravo Croons ‘Helicopter’ Song, And Wife Sakshi’s Insta love
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Tuesday saw wishes pour in aplenty for India’s original ‘Captain Cool’ as he turned a year older. Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have been away from the sporting arclights - he hasn't played any international cricket since July 2019 when India lost to New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semis - but he remains entrenched in public memory.
Colleagues from the cricket dressing room, buddies from the IPL Chennai Super Kings dugouts, seniors from another era, commentators, fans, and his better-half joined the bandwagon to ring in the enigmatic cricketer’s 39th, virtually.
Tuesday saw wishes pour in aplenty for India’s original ‘Captain Cool’ as he turned a year older. Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have been away from the sporting arclights - he hasn't played any internatio..
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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.”
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 add..
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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.
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 skippe..
Read More
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!
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 ..
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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.
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 ..
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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.
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..
Read More
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.
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 rou..
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