Cardiff: Ringing in his 37th birthday sporting a thick, grey beard, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was reminded that he was ‘getting older’ through a song by none other than his toddler daughter Ziva. “Happy birthday papa, you are getting older,” sang Ziva to her father who continues to inspire his teammates and millions of fans.
In a video posted by the official Twitter handle of the BCCI, everyone from Virat Kohli to Ziva and wife Sakshi sent their wishes to the former India World Cup-winning skipper.
Entering his 37th year in the backdrop of India’s defeat to England in the second T20 International wasn’t ideal for a man who is often credited with redefining limited overs cricket. It wasn’t the kind of birthday celebration befitting one of India’s finest captains, but that’s how Dhoni has always been – quiet and simple.
After the match was over, ‘Captain Cool’ celebrated the occasion with his wife and daughter and was joined by his India teammates as he cut the cake. Also present was actor and Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma.
“At this age you are as fit as ever, as fast as ever, it’s great to see you enjoying, smiling and wish you all the best. It’s an honour for me to be playing with you still. We started under you, we know the respect we share. Best wishes and my positive energy towards you always,” current captain Kohli said.
“Wish you a very happy birthday, @msdhoni and congratulations on playing your 500th International match. May you continue to give joy and happiness to people around you and beyond,” Sachin Tendulkar wrote on his twitter handle.
