Narendra Modi Writes Letter To MS Dhoni, The ‘Phenomenon’; Ex-Captain Thanks PM

New Delhi: In a touching gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a lengthy letter to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, heaping praise on the wicketkeeper-batsman for an illustrious international career and terming the two-time World Cup-winning captain as the embodiment of a “new India where family name does not make one’s destiny”.

“Your dependability in tough situations and your style of finishing matches, particularly the 2011 World Cup Final, will forever be etched in the public memory for generations. But, the name Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be remembered merely for his career statistics or specific match-winning roles. Looking at you as just a sportsperson would be injustice. The correct way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon!” Modi wrote.

Dhoni shared the PM’s letter on his Twitter page on Thursday, his first social media post on the platform since he announced retirement from international cricket on Independence Day.

Thanking Modi for his appreciation, Dhoni tweeted: “An Artist, Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone.thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes.”

honi will continue playing in Indian Premier League (IPL) and will soon be seen in action for Chennai Super Kings. The 2020 edition of IPL will be played in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

Dhoni led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy ODI meet.