Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni left everyone awestruck when he received the prestigious Padma Bhushan from Honorable President on 2nd April. It’s a known fact that Mahi is one of the most accomplished cricket captains that India has ever seen and his fan following is enormous.
However, the thing that impressed everyone, even more, was the fact that the cricketer was dressed in an Army uniform. Have a look at the video here:
राष्ट्रपति कोविन्द ने खेल-कूद के क्षेत्र में श्री महेंद्र सिंह धोनी को पद्म भूषण प्रदान किया। भारत के सबसे सफल क्रिकेट कप्तानों में से एक श्री @msdhoni, आईसीसी सीमित ओवरों की तीनों ट्रॉफी जीतने वाले एकमात्र भारतीय कप्तान हैं। pic.twitter.com/D4JfcJrYlA
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 2, 2018
The player was congratulated by many of the veteran cricketers and good friends. Following are some congratulatory tweets for MS Dhoni:
Congratulations Lieutenant Colonel MS Dhoni on receiving the Padma Bhushan, 7 years to the date since we won the World Cup ! pic.twitter.com/xjgjrHr4Ng
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 2, 2018
Proper Legend. It’s earned not demanded. God bless, Ravi #PadmaBhushan #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/TJV0FcgnDc
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2018
Congrats @msdhoni on your Padma Bhushan award. Fittingly given on the anniversary of our WC triumph. I am sure more such honors are on the way. #PadmaBhushan #MSDhoni
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) April 2, 2018
For those who don’t know, Dhoni was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Territorial Army in November 2011. As his name was announced at the ceremony, Lt Colonel MS Dhoni marched past several dignitaries and saluted President Kovind after receiving the honor.
Co-incidentally it was the 7th Anniversary of India’s World Cup Victory when Dhoni’s magnificent captaincy enabled the team to lift the cup after a long gap of 28 years. It was the final match between India and Sri Lanka whereby Dhoni hit a massive 6 and led India towards the much-awaited victory.
With this honor, Dhoni has become the second Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev to be conferred with Padma Bhushan. Besides, the former skipper has won many awards like ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2007), and Padma Shri (2009).
