'Captain Cool' MS Dhoni celebrates his 38th birthday on Sunday, a day after he played an important role in the Indian team's victory against Sri Lanka in the World Cup. As explained by vice captain Rohit Sharma, the ceremonial cake cutting took place at Leeds, where Dhoni's wife Sakshi and child Ziva were present.
The former Indian captain who led India to a World Cup victory in 2011, is nothing short of a World cricket Icon. He began his career with a duck against Bangladesh on December 23, 2004, only to transform into a phenomenal finisher for the team, as exhibited in the 2011 World Cup.
Dhoni who comes from modest beginnings, made a mark as a captain both for strategy and his calm demeanour in the face of pressure. He was a surprise choice for captaincy in 2007 in T20 World Cup but led the team to a stunning victory against Pakistan in the finals.
As a wicket-keeper batsman his performance is unparalleled and he is responsible for a record 123 stumpings in International cricket.
This World Cup journey however has not been easy for the former Captain with his performances inviting criticism and calls for his retirement. His 28 of 52 balls knock against Afghanistan, especially set tongues wagging. However his four wicket contribution in the last match against Sri Lanka has made it clear that Dhoni is here to stay.
Dhoni on a mad one this morning. #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/2mnXC1E7hj
— RKZ (@RKZUK) July 6, 2019
So it's DHONI behind ALL FOUR DISMISSALS!
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) July 6, 2019
dismissals already as a wicketkeeper against in ODIs. #SLvIND #CWC19 #TeamIndia #KorboLorboJeetbo
*wickets, Divided by bowlers United by Dhoni*#INDvSL #ICCWorldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/8pB4jHckWA
— Tweetera (@DoctorrSays) July 6, 2019
Wishes have poured in for his birthday from teammates, cricketers and fans alike.
Happy birthday mahi bhai . Thank u for always being there as a mentor as a brother as a friend. Have more success in life always @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/X35YD12h9u
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabPant777) July 7, 2019
First played together in Bangladesh in 2004 & shortly saw him announce his arrival against Pak at Vizag when he scored 148, hasn’t looked back since and the legend of MS Dhoni has only grown by the year. Wishing a once in a lifetime player and captain , #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/nlPGj1Xord
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 7, 2019
7 continents in the World
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 7, 2019
7 days in a week
7 colours in a rainbow
7 basic musical notes
7 chakras in a human being
7 pheras in a marriage
7 wonders of the world
7 th day of 7th month- Birthday of a wonder of the cricketing world #HappyBirthdayDhoni . May God Bless You! pic.twitter.com/3Xq8ZUWx8p
Dhoni has played the game with utmost dignity & pride. Let's take a moment to wish him a very Happy Birthday & hope he has a couple of good games for For all you know, we may never get to see him play again after this WC. Let's enjoy him as long as he plays #HappyBirthdayDhoni
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) July 7, 2019