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In the 18th edition of IPL we witnessed many critics questioning MS Dhoni over his batting skills and captaincy. But Dhoni being Dhoni remained quiet. Even in a situation as exciting as winning the World Cup, Dhoni was quiet and celebrated the win in a low-key manner. That’s how he is, known for his calm demeanor and a nonchalant attitude on and off the field. But such is his aura that even after five years post his retirement from international cricket, his presence remains as influential as ever, him coming to bat even for one ball in the IPL result in a cheer breaking the decibel meters.
Today, the former captain of the Indian cricket team turned 44. The manner in which he celebrated his birthday was a manner he is known for. In a video which is viral on social media, M.S. Dhoni is seen celebrating his birthday with a handful of people. Dressed casually in a sleeveless T-shirt, he shared cake and smiles at the JSCA premises in Ranchi, including president Ajay Nath Shahdeo, at the stadium complex.
Cricketing fraternity wishes MS Dhoni on his 44th birthday
Such is Dhoni’s stature worldwide that tributes begun pouring in even before the celebrations kicked off. In places like Vijayawada, fans assembled erected massive cutouts of Dhoni, posters of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) along with wearing the outfits of the team. Dhoni, who had won five IPL titles with CSK, enjoys a massive fan following in the southern part of India.
Dhoni remains one of the most successful captains in international cricket. He led India in 332 matches across three formats - Tests, ODIs, and T20Is - and won a whopping 178 matches while losing 120. Dhoni is a three-time ICC trophy-winning India captain. Under his captaincy, India won the inaugural 2007 World T20 in South Africa, the 2011 World Cup in India, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy in England. Known for his exploits in ODI cricket, Dhoni played 350 ODIs, scoring 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57. He scored 10 centuries and 73 fifties for India. Dhoni also played 98 T20Is for India, scoring 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, with a strike rate of 126.13. He led India in 72 T20Is, winning 41, losing 28, one being tied and two failing to produce results. Dhoni also played 90 Tests, scoring 4876 runs at an average of 38.09.
