World T20 2007. World Cup 2011. Champions Trophy 2013. Test No. 1 in the world.
The only captain in cricket history to have achieved all the above achievements is MS Dhoni. Having stepped down as the captain to let Virat Kohli take Indian cricket into the new era, Dhoni turned up in India’s blue for the first time in nine years as just a player, in a successful outing against England.
And the Indian team, led by skipper Kohli felicitated *former* captain Dhoni for his inspirational leadership and presented him with an innovative wooden plaque with four ‘Silver Stars’ embossed on it.
The felicitation happened before the last match of T20 the series and Dhoni is next expected to be seen in India colours only during the Champions Trophy. Since he had announced the decision to step down before the start of the series, the team, in its own sweet way, wanted to offer him a vote of thanks for his leadership.
Head coach Anil Kumble led the tributes with a little speech:
“On behalf of all the ten years that MS had led various teams. From all the players, support staff and obviously this group of players that is sitting here and support staff. Congratulations on being the inspirational leader that you’ve always been, for all the achievements you’ve had as captain of India and for many more years in this side. For all the contributions you’ve made, we’d like to honour you with something that you would cherish and something that would be a nice frame in your house.”
The little private programme, including players, support staff and chairman of selectors MSK Prasad, happened at the team hotel and the cricketers also gave him a ‘Thank You’ note.
The four silver stars signified four landmark achievements of Dhoni’s captaincy. The first being 2007 World T20 triumph, being No 1 in Tests in 2009, the 50-over World Cup victory in 2011 and 2013 Champions Trophy win in England.
Watch the video here:
With PTI inputs