MS Dhoni is perhaps one of the greatest Indian cricketers to have graced the field. A born leader and a winner, the veteran cricketer doesn’t need new introduction. Dhoni has been one of the most celebrated cricketers in terms of both individual and team achievements. A winner of all the ICC Trophies as a skipper earlier, Dhoni continues to be an integral part of the Indian cricket team in the white-ball format. He is set to be seen in the ICC World Cup 2019 next.
Dhoni is supreme both as a cricketer and a person. He is respectable all across the cricket fraternity. His gentleman attitude and calm persona has rubbed off well among the others. A person that has been honored with many prestigious awards, Dhoni deserves a shout for all that he has achieved in his life. We all know how Dhoni made it to cricket going through all the struggles. His mentality and effort makes him stand out. Dhoni has been someone who has always been a team player and that made him a successful leader.
He helped India win the ICC World Cup 2011 and played a massive role in the finale. Besides this, he also guided India to the World T20 title in 2007 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Winning has never been the sole motto of Dhoni’s life. He has been a bigger personality than just that. He isn’t someone that always wanted the trophies and the glamour. The way he conducted himself off the field highlighted his simplicity and vision as a person. He has always put his country first and led the side well.
Here we look at instances where Dhoni did things solely for the nation first.
1) The player once stated that, “You don’t play for the crowd, you play for the country.” That statement has been a true one and it reflects in the manner in which he carries himself. Last year he was booed in England by the fans, but Dhoni never brought all these into considerations and kept focusing on his game.
2) He once said in an interview that, his wife comes third after the nation and his parents. It isn’t just that he loves his wife less, but he knows what’s in the priority list for him.
3) In 2015, Dhoni’s wife Sakshi gave birth to their first child. Dhoni chose not to fly back home, but he rather stayed with the Indian team in Australia to prepare for the World Cup. He had clearly said that everything else can wait as he is on national duty.
4) Fans must notice that several batsmen have flags on their helmets. But not Dhoni. Since he is the wicket-keeper, he has to keep his helmet on the ground while being behind the stumps. He doesn’t want the flag to touch the grass.
5) Last year he was awarded the Padma Bhushan and he received the same wearing a uniform. He later took to Instagram and said, “An honor to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds. Thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights. Jai Hind.”