'Phenomenal captain, inspiration to youngsters' - Cricketers in line to pour birthday wishes for iconic skipper MS Dhoni

Arguably one of the best captains India has ever produced, veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led the Men in Blue to their first World Cup victory after 1983, celebrates his 41st birthday on July 7 (Thursday). Team India was in desperate need of a good wicketkeeper and a fearless batter when Dhoni arrived in the international arena in 2004.

Despite failing to make runs during his first few innings, he was backed by the Indian management committee and he finally did justice to his talent after stroking his first international century that too against the arch-rivals Pakistan in 2005. Dhoni continued to give vital performances for his country, till his breakthrough came after he was appointed as the Men in Blue skipper to lead them in the 2007 T20 World Cup.

A young team India under the leadership of a young captain had a dream run during that tournament as they found a new match-winner in every encounter and continued to shock cricket experts and pundits after defeating several cricketing giant countries including Australia, England, South Africa, and even Pakistan. Dhoni scripted history after team India won against the Men in Green during the final match of the tournament and were crowned as the first T20 World Cup champions.

MS Dhoni led India to its first 50-over World Cup victory after 28 years

“Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd! India lift the World Cup after 28 years! The party has started in the dressing room,” these words from former Indian cricketer and commentator will be etched in every Indian fan’s mind as Captain Cool smashed Sri Lanka’s pacer Nuwan Kulasekara for a six over long-on as the home team won the all-important tournament and Dhoni collected another prized trophy for his cabinet.

The right-handed batter played an excellent knock of 91* and bailed his team out of a tricky situation in the final match of the 2011 World Cup against Sri Lanka. Two years later, India were also crowned the Champions Trophy winners after defeating home team England, as Dhoni added another feather to his cap.

Here is how cricketers wished MS Dhoni on his 41st birthday

Wishing you a very happy birthday @msdhoni bhai 🎂

— Khaleel Ahmed 🇮🇳 (@imK_Ahmed13) July 7, 2022

Happy birthday, @msdhoni 🤗 Wish you the very best for the coming year! Keep shining always. pic.twitter.com/SsfYsf3LUT

— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) July 7, 2022

A very happy birthday brother @msdhoni 🤗 May you keep smiling always! Have a great day and year ahead. Lots of love. pic.twitter.com/tWKDni7hP8

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) July 7, 2022

Very very happy birthday to you @msdhoni 🥳 My best wishes are always with you! Have the most wonderful year ahead. Love always 🤗 pic.twitter.com/95n92fqeNT

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 7, 2022

Wishing captain cool @msdhoni a very happy 41st birthday. Have a great year ahead! pic.twitter.com/XIVlMFEBHM

— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) July 7, 2022

To one of the all times great entertainer & finisher, an inspiration and role model, I wish you a happy birthday sir @msdhoni. And sir You are still young & fit enough to play cricket, so please keep entertaining us for atleast few more years❤️🎂. pic.twitter.com/z7ByQtCJwc

— Shahnawaz Dahani (@ShahnawazDahani) July 7, 2022

Not just a terrific player and a Captain on field but also a great person off the field too! Privileged to have played under him for both 🇮🇳 and in the IPL. Happy Birthday dearest Thala @msdhoni #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/fXYW5FBHI7

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) July 7, 2022

Many many happy returns of the day, Mahi Bhai! It was an enriching experience to have played under your leadership and I wish you nothing but the best for the year ahead! pic.twitter.com/8jcXP5RhO0

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) July 7, 2022

Still remember this day very fondly, thank you for everything Mahi bhai!!

Best wishes to you on your birthday, have a great year ahead @msdhoni 🎂😁 pic.twitter.com/hZm1QQ571F

— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) July 7, 2022

A brilliant tutorial of how to be – in happy times and in difficult situations, that’s what the way @msdhoni conducted himself teaches. A phenomenal leader and an inspiration to youngsters, elders, business leaders alike , #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/eTGWRUSeFG

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) July 7, 2022

Till the time full stop doesn't come,a sentence isn't completed. Till the time Dhoni is at the crease,match isn't completed.
Not all teams have the fortune to have a person like Dhoni, Happy B'day to a gem of a person & player,MS Dhoni. Om Helicopteraya Namaha #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/qGFhpcP5so

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 7, 2022

Happy Birthday to the legend of Indian Cricket. @msdhoni

— Harpreet Brar (@thisisbrar) July 7, 2022

The OG. The Supreme. The ever helping kind soul. Wishing Mahi bhai a birthday as awesome as his own self. Thank-you for always motivating and inspiring Mahi Bhai !!! @msdhoni 🎂 pic.twitter.com/dY6fpKrXXu

— Siddharth Kaul (@iamsidkaul) July 7, 2022

Happy Birthday to my big brother. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and mentor in every phase of life, may god bless you and your family with good health always. Much love to you mahi bhai. Wishing you a great year ahead! @msdhoni #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/3uABWFIlnO

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 6, 2022

Dada taught us youngsters how to win and Dhoni made it into a habit. Two great leaders from different eras born just a day apart. Happy birthday to the men who shaped Indian cricket.@msdhoni @SGanguly99 pic.twitter.com/oD7o5VnJVK

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 6, 2022

Not only in the international arena, but Dhoni is also one of the most successful skippers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as his franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has won the tournament four times previously. Despite not playing any international cricket since 2019, the right-handed batter showed his excellent batting performances during IPL 2022 and he has also confirmed that he will be playing in the next edition as well, giving a lot of joy to his fans and supporters from all around the world.