‘130 crore Indians are eternally grateful’: PM Narendra Modi writes a touching letter to MS Dhoni

NEW DELHI: Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni announced his retirement last Saturday and wishes since then have continued to pour in for the talismanic captain and player. Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a heartwarming letter to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, thanking him for the contribution MSD made to Indian Cricket.
Dhoni sharing the 2-page letter from the Prime Minister on Twitter, thanked the PM for his kind words and good wishes.




“An Artist,Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone.thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes,” Dhoni wrote on Twitter.

“In your trademark unassuming style you shared a video that was enough to become a passionate discussion point for entire nation. 130 Cr Indians were disappointed but also eternally grateful for all that you have done for Indian cricket,” PM Modi wrote in the letter.
“You have been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of new India, where family name does not make young people’s destiny but they make their own names and their own destinies,” wrote the PM.
“Where we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed — this is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many youngsters with,” he said.




Along with highlighting his efforts on the cricket field, PM Modi also mentioned Dhoni’s legendary love for the armed forces in the letter.
In the lengthy note to the celebrated cricketer, the PM also lauded the calm demeanour with which Dhoni led the Indian team.
“No matter what hairstyle you sported, your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat, which is very important for every youth,” he said referring to different hair cuts that Dhoni made famous after sporting an eye-catching long mane at the beginning of his career.
“Rising from humble beginnings in a small town, you burst onto the national scene, made a name for yourself and most importantly, made India proud,” Modi wrote.
The 39 year old Dhoni last week brought down the curtain on his almost 16-year-long international career via an Instagram post.




Dhoni retired as India’s most successful limited-overs skipper and remains the only captain to have won all three ICC trophies – 2007 T20 World Cup, 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Earlier, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also termed Dhoni’s retirement as the end of an era.
“It is the end of an era. What a player he has been for the country and world cricket. His leadership qualities have been something which will be hard to match, especially in the shorter format of the game. His batting in one-day cricket in his early stages made the world stand up and notice his flair and sheer natural brilliance. Every good thing comes to an end and this has been an absolutely brilliant one. He has set the standards for the wicketkeepers to come and make a mark for the country. He will finish with no regrets on the field. An outstanding career; I wish him the best in life,” Ganguly, former Indian skipper, said.



However, Dhoni will still continue to play for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Here is the full text of the letter:
Dear Mahendra Singh Dhoni,
On 15th August, in your trademark unassuming style you shared a short video that was enough to become a long and passionate discussion point for the entire nation. 130 crore Indians were disappointed but also eternally grateful for all that you have done for Indian cricket in the last decade-and-a-half.



One way to look at your cricketing career is through the prism of statistics. You have been one of the most successful captains, instrumental in taking India to the top of the world charts. Your name will go down in history as being one of the world’s batting greats, among the greatest cricketing captains and certainly one of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen.
Your dependability in tough situations and your style of finishing matches, particularly the 2011 World Cup Final, will forever be etched in the public memory for generations. But, the name Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be remembered merely for his career statistics or specific match-winning roles. Looking at you as just a sportsperson would be injustice. The correct way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon!



Rising from humble beginnings in a small town, you burst onto the national scene, made a name for yourself and most importantly made India proud. Your rise and conduct thereafter gives strength and inspiration to crores of youngsters who like you have not been to cushy schools or colleges, neither do they belong to illustrious families but they have the talent to distinguish themselves at the highest levels.
You have been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of New India, where family name does not make young people’s destiny but they make their own names and their own destinies.
Where we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed — this is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many youngsters with.



Many of your memorable on-field moments exemplify a particular generation of Indians. This generation of Indians does not hesitate to take risks and back each other’s abilities in even the toughest situations— seen in the way you took risks many a time in backing little known youngsters to deliver in high pressure situations. The 2007 T-20 World Cup Finals is a perfect example of this spirit.
This generation of Indians does not lose their nerve in decisive situations; we saw that in many of your innings and games.
Our youth does not lose heart in the face of adversity and, most importantly, are fearless, just like the team you led.
No matter what hairstyle you sported, your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat, which is a very important lesson for every youth.



I would like to also mention your special association towards India’s armed forces. You were most happy being among our army personnel. Your concern towards their welfare has always been remarkable.
I hope Sakshi and Ziva get to spend more time with you. I convey my good wishes to them as well, because without their sacrifices and support nothing would have been possible. Our youth could also learn from you how to balance professional and personal priorities; I remember seeing a picture of you playing with your cute daughter even as everyone around you was celebrating a victory in a particular tournament! That was vintage MS Dhoni.
Wishing you the very best for your future endeavours.

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