Mahi, captain cool, Thali or just MSD: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is among the most powerful sportsmen on the planet and one of the most popular faces in India. He marked his 38th birthday in the midst of a so-far-successful World Cup tour for the Indian team.
The day before his birthday, India managed a healthy victory against Sri Lanka. Following the match, a candid Rohit Sharma — who became the first batsmen in the world to score five centuries in a single World Cup — told the press that the team would probably celebrate Dhoni’s birthday in the bus with some cake.
Is there anyone as candid and funny as @ImRo45? Here's what he had to say when asked about a message for Birthday Boy @msdhoni 😄😁 #TeamIndia #CWC19 #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/aCD23hgKts
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 6, 2019
Dhoni’s fans, however, took things to the next level on Twitter when the day finally came. Six of the ten top trending items on Twitter on July 7 were about Dhoni.
The Chennai Super Kings, a team synonymous with Captain Cool, tweeted a heartfelt tribute to their star player and captain.
One Moon. One Sun. One MS. Super Birthday to the Most Special! The Most Special, now and always! Now and always, enga #Thala Dhoni'ku periya whistle adinga! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/pDuF9qnhBO
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 6, 2019
The ICC Cricket World Cup handle tweeted the image of Dhoni’s legendary winning six from the 2011 edition.
Who can forget the 2011 World Cup winning six? 🙌 Happy Birthday, MS Dhoni! pic.twitter.com/M92m2ky2lH
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 7, 2019
Amul, who have made several iconic cartoons featuring Dhoni, put them together in a compilation.
#Amul wishes #HappyBirthdayDhoni#HappyBirthdayMSD#MSDhoni#MSD38 pic.twitter.com/oTi8nqwp1L
— Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) July 7, 2019
Meanwhile, Dhoni’s own fans have had a good 15 years to perfect their tributory messages. As expected, the material was good.
Best word editor -
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) July 7, 2019
MS Word
Best slideshow maker -
MS Powerpoint
Best spreadsheet maker -
MS Excel
Best game finisher -
MS Dhoni #HappyBirthdayDhoni
Virendra Sehwag himself tried his hand at some worldplay for Dhoni.
“7 continents in the World
7 days in a week
7 colours in a rainbow
7 basic musical notes
7 chakras in a human being
7 pheras in a marriage
7 wonders of the world
7 th day of 7th month- Birthday of a wonder of the cricketing world #HappyBirthdayDhoni . May God Bless You!”
7 continents in the World
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 7, 2019
7 days in a week
7 colours in a rainbow
7 basic musical notes
7 chakras in a human being
7 pheras in a marriage
7 wonders of the world
7 th day of 7th month- Birthday of a wonder of the cricketing world #HappyBirthdayDhoni . May God Bless You! pic.twitter.com/3Xq8ZUWx8p
Dhoni’s own fans in Tamil Nadu found a a unique way of wishing their captain and making the world a better place at the same time — a blood donation camp!
Blood donation camp
— Prince Shiva (@Princemarupakaa) July 7, 2019
Thala fans #MSDhoni#HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/5jqR22Pjjj
Dhoni fans are known for their dedication. In 2017, one ran onto the pitch just to be able to touch his hero’s feet. After letting the fan chase him around for a while, Dhoni gave him a hug and his dream came to life. Though the fan was escorted off the pitch by security, his expression speaks volumes about how happy he was.
RT if your Dream from childhood, is to meet @MSDhoni. 😍❤️#HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/VjhsQ1O8Sj
— DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) July 7, 2019
Many fans celebrated across India with their own cake parties. Even so, the greatest celebration will be a second ODI World Cup win as Dhoni is expected to retire from ODIs following this tournament. For the captain who has seen it all and who has nothing more to prove, his final finisher will hopefully be the ultimate trophy.