When MS Dhoni ‘shaved off his head’ and pleasantly surprised Team India after the 2011 World Cup triumph

Every Indian cricket fan holds the memory of April 2, 2011, close to the heart as on that day, the Indian side scripted history by winning the final of the ICC World Cup against Sri Lanka by six wickets and bringing the trophy home after a long wait of 28 years. Just a day after winning the title, India’s then captain MS Dhoni managed to stun the citizens by cutting his hair and going bald.

Dhoni posed with the World Cup outside the Gateway of India after shaving his head and the picture still holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. Ten years later, Team India manager Ranjib Biswal reminisced the golden memories of how the entire cricket team was left shocked after seeing the captain’s new hairstyle. 

“We literally had no idea what was awaiting us the morning after the final. We had celebrated till late in the dressing room after the win and then came back to the team hotel and continued celebrating till around 4:30 in the morning.

“After that, we retired to our rooms. And what do we see when we wake up? Dhoni has shaved off his head after returning to his room. It was indeed a moment that will stay with us forever. We had no clue,” said Biswal as quoted by The New Indian Express.

MS Dhoni keeps his emotions close to his heart and doesn’t express much: Ranjib Biswal

It is widely believed MS Dhoni cut his hair after the 2011 World Cup win as per a promise he might have made before the tournament. Further in the interaction, the manager was asked if MS had left the team celebrations mid-way to cut his hair.

On this, Biswal answered that the Ranchi stalwart was there with the team till the very end. Ranjib also believes that Dhoni shaving his head gives a glimpse of his personality as he is the kind of person who likes to keep his emotions close to his heart.

“Not at all. He was there with all of us and left only when the celebrations ended. And then he goes to his room and shaves off his head. That is Dhoni for you. He keeps his emotions close to his heart and doesn’t express much,” concluded Biswal.