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.
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 – quite and simple.
His teammates – past and present – joined in the party as wishes poured in from across the cricket world.
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 Bollywood actor and Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma.
Virat KohliAt 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.
On the eve of his birthday, when Dhoni came out to bat in the in Cardiff, he became the third Indian cricketer to play 500 international matches.
(With inputs from PTI)
