There are a lot of similarities between MS Dhoni and Shoaib Malik: Sania Mirza

Amid his absence from the Indian side, 39-year-old MS Dhoni’s international future had been a big topic of debate in the cricketing fraternity. To douse all the speculations, the veteran announced his international retirement on 15th August by sharing a video on Instagram.

The video depicted Dhoni’s international journey– from breaking into the Indian side, scripting records, winning trophies and getting run out in his last match for India. “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 19:29 hrs consider me as Retired,” wrote Dhoni along with the video, drawing curtains on his illustrious career.

Wishes and tributes poured in for Dhoni from every nook and corner. India’s tennis star Sania Mirza also lauded Dhoni’s achievements for the country and the manner in which he walked off the biggest stage.

“I think that if he (Dhoni) wanted to make a celebration out of it (retirement), he would. I think we should give him that. I think he is a big enough star or has achieved enough, be secured enough to say, ‘I am going to walk out a bit quietly and respectfully.

“I think that is what makes him the Captain Cool, that’s what makes him MS Dhoni because he is someone who has achieved so much not only for himself but for the country,” Sania said in an interaction on Sportskeeda’s Facebook page.

Both Dhoni and Shoaib are silent by default: Sania Mirza

Sania was also asked to name her favourite cricketers and she responded by taking the names of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Dhoni. She even revealed that Dhoni’s personality and ‘silent’ behaviour is quite similar to that of her husband Shoaib Malik.

“Dhoni is a person who reminds me of my husband Shoaib Malik in terms of personality. The behaviours of the two are so similar. Both are silent by default. Enjoy at the same time. Both are very calm on the field. There are a lot of similarities between Dhoni and Malik,” said Sania.

Sania also highlighted how a high-pressure professional environment can affect her personal life. To stay calm and keep sanity at home, Sania revealed that she takes the help of a psychologist.

“I do a bit of work with a psychologist and that helps me stay calm. Both I and my husband are in a high-pressure environment and imagine both of us have had a bad day and come back to the same house, there needs to be sanity. So, I take help with a psychologist for things like that,” said the tennis star.