'Eternally grateful for what you have done': PM Modi writes to Dhoni

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Mahendra Singh Dhoni who announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15 In the letter the Prime Minister hailed him as a lsquophenomenonrsquo and wished him the best for future endeavoursTwotime World Cupwinning former India captain Dhoni retired from international cricket ending over one year of suspense and also an era during which his often unorthodox leadership and finishing skills became the stuff of legendsThanks a lot for ur love and support throughout from 1929hrs consider me as retired Dhoni had posted on his Instagram handleLauding him as one of the most successful captains Modi praised Dhonirsquos dependability in tough matches and clear thinking that won him a billion fans around the worldAn ArtistSoldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyonethanks PM narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes pictwittercomT0naCT7mO7mdash Mahendra Singh Dhoni msdhoni August 20 2020The letter begins ldquoIn 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 cricketrdquoModi further wrote that Dhoni has been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of New India where family name does not make young peoplersquos destiny but they make their own names and their own destiniesldquoWhere we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed ndash this is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many youngsters withrdquo the letter readThe Prime Minister also praised Dhoni for his association with the Indian armed forces ldquoYou were most happy being among our army personnel You concern towards their welfare has always been remarkablerdquo Modi wroteldquoNo matter what hairstyle you sported your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat which is a very important lesson for every youthrdquo the letter readDhonirsquos retirement announcement came a day after he joined his Chennai Super Kings teammates in Chennai ahead of this years IPL in the UAEThe 39yearolds last outing in India colours was during the lost World Cup semifinal against New ZealandOne of the best runners between the wickets was run out following a hardearned 50 in that tense game shattering Indian hopes and leaving him in a state of disbeliefThe reticent man from Ranchi will however go down as one of the finest to have played the game for India turning up for the country in a whopping 350 ODIs 90 Tests and 98 T20 InternationalsConsidered a punter by some and a master strategist by several others it was Dhonis captaincy wondrous reading of match situations and the jawdropping handspeed behind stumps that had the cricket world mesmerisedKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news