MS Dhoni turns 41: Cricket fraternity extends birthday wishes to former India captain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who still commands a huge fan-following, turned 41 on Thursday, July 7. The Ranchi-based Dhoni, recognised as one of India's most successful captains, led the team to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy apart from going on top of Test rankings in 2009. At the domestic level, he captained Chennai Super Kings to IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021 apart from two now-defunct Champions League titles in 2010 and 2014. Dhoni is fondly remembered for his attacking stroke-play and keeping a calm head as a skipper in pressure situations, giving him the tag of 'captain cool'. He etched his name in the minds of cricket fans forever with his match-winning six off Nuwan Kulasekara in the final of the 2011 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to give India the trophy on home soil, ending a wait of 28 years to become ODI world champions again. In 538 matches in international cricket, Dhoni scored 17,266 runs, with 634 catches and 195 stumpings as a wicketkeeper. Currently, Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, is in the UK and celebrated his birthday with his friends and family, with India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant joining in as well. He was also spotted watching Wimbledon matches in London on Wednesday. On social media, many former and current cricketers extended birthday wishes to Dhoni. Virat Kohli called Dhoni "a leader like no other". "A leader like no other. Thanks for everything you have done for Indian cricket. You became more like an elder brother for me. Nothing but love and respect always. Happy birthday skip @msdhoni," said Kohli in a tweet.

"An idol & an inspiration. Here's wishing @msdhoni -- former #TeamIndia Captain; one of