'Your concern towards Indian Army's welfare has been remarkable' - PM Narendra Modi pens heart touching note to MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, on Saturday, took the social media by storm by announcing his international retirement. The former Indian skipper took it to Instagram to announce his departure from international cricket.

Sharing a video depicting his international journey, ‘Mahi’ silently walked off the biggest stage and his appearance against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semi-final turned out to be his last appearance for the national side. Many had anticipated that Dhoni would play in the next T20 World Cup for India but their hopes shattered after Dhoni’s decision to bid adieu to international cricket.

In no time, social media was flooded with lakhs of tributes for the Ranchi stalwart. Members of the cricket fraternity, Bollywood stars and politicians– everyone poured in wishes for Dhoni and wished him luck for his future endeavours.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi also penned down a letter appreciating Dhoni and his services for the national side. Modi lauded Dhoni’s exemplary finish in the 2011 World Cup and termed him as a ‘phenomenon’. Modi also highlighted Dhoni’s inspiring cricket journey– rising from humble beginnings and eventually making millions of Indians proud.

Modi even thanked the Ranchi stalwart for his special association towards India’s armed forces and wished him luck for his further journey in life.

MS Dhoni also expressed gratitude towards PM’s wishes

Dhoni, in response, also thanked the PM on Thursday for extending appreciation and good wishes. “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,” wrote Dhoni on Twitter along with sharing the Prime Minister’s letter of appreciation.

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. pic.twitter.com/T0naCT7mO7

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) August 20, 2020

Home Minister Amit Shah had also joined the bandwagon and had wished Dhoni on the day of his retirement. Shah had tweeted out that the world will miss Dhoni’s helicopter shots upon his departure from the biggest stage.

“I join millions of cricket fans across the globe to thank @msdhoni for his unparalleled contributions to Indian Cricket. His cool temperament has turned several hot encounters in India’s favour. Under his captaincy India was crowned World Champions twice in different formats,” Shah had tweeted.

.@msdhoni has mesmerized millions through his unique style of cricket. I hope he will continue to contribute towards strengthening Indian cricket in the times to come. Best wishes for his future endeavours.

World cricket will miss the helicopter shots, Mahi!

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 15, 2020

Furthermore, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren had also appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hold a farewell match for the stalwart. According to reports, the BCCI is also willing to host a farewell match for Dhoni and the decision would be taken after the completion of IPL 2020. After his unforeseen announcement of retirement, ardent Dhoni fans will be keen to see him brace the field in this year’s IPL, starting from September 19th in the UAE.