Full text of PM Narendra Modi’s letter to MS Dhoni: The right way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a touching letter to former Indian captain MS Dhoni after his retirement from international cricket. Dhoni shared Prime Minister Modi’s two-page letter on Twitter and thanked him for his appreciation. In his touching letter, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Dhoni on his contributions to Indian cricket and said it would be an “ injustice ” to consider him a sportsman.

The Prime Minister also drew parallels between Dhoni and the current generation of Indias who are not afraid to achieve their dreams regardless of their family background. He praised Dhoni for being an inspiration to millions of young people who do not come from great families but use their talent to distinguish themselves.

Dhoni was one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history and his contributions to the sport are unprecedented. Dhoni, who was first named Team India captain in 2007, led the Men in Blue to memorable triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

He is also one of the most successful wicket keeper batsmen to have graced the game with over 17,000 runs and 829 referrals to his name in international cricket. Prime Minister Modi also underlined Dhoni’s love for the Indian armed forces and thanked him for his concern for the welfare of the army personnel.

Here is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s full letter to MS Dhoni:

Dear Mahendra,

On August 15th, in your low-key style, you shared a short video that was enough to become a long and exciting talking point for the whole nation. 130 Indian Crore has been a disappointment but also eternally grateful for all you have done for Indian cricket over the past decade and a half.

One way to look at your cricket career is through the lens of statistics. You have been one of the most successful captains, helping to bring India to the top of the world charts. Your name will go down in history as one of the greatest batting in the world, one of the greatest cricket captains and certainly one of the best wicket keepers the game has seen.

Your reliability in difficult situations and your style of finishing matches, especially the 2011 World Cup final, will be forever etched in public memory for generations.

But Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s name will not be remembered just for his career stats or specific roles as a winner. To regard you as a simple sportsman would be an injustice. The right way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon!

From humble beginnings in a small town, you burst onto the national scene, made a name and, most importantly, made India proud. Your ascension and your subsequent conduct give strength and inspiration to millions of young people who, like you, have not been to nursery schools or colleges, do not belong to illustrious families either but have the talent to stand out at the highest level. You have been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of New India, where the last name does not make the destiny of young people, but they make their own name and their own destiny.

It doesn’t matter where we come from as long as we know where we are going – it is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many young people.

Many of your memorable moments in the field illustrate a particular generation of Indians. This generation of Indians does not hesitate to take risks and support each other in the most difficult situations – as you have taken risks time and time again by supporting little-known young people to deliver in high pressure situations. . The 2007 T-20 World Cup final is a perfect example of this spirit.

This generation of Indians does not lose its cool in decisive situations; we have seen it in several of your rounds and matches.

Our young people are not discouraged in the face of adversity and, above all, are fearless, just like the team you lead.

No matter what hairstyle you wore, your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat, which is a very important lesson for every youngster.

I would also like to mention your special association with the Indian armed forces. You were very happy to be part of our military personnel. Your concern for their well-being has always been remarkable.

Hope Sakshi and Ziva spend more time with you. I also send them my best wishes, because without their sacrifice and support nothing would have been possible. Our young people could also learn from you how to balance professional and personal priorities; I remember seeing a picture of you playing with your pretty girl even as everyone around you was celebrating a win in a particular tournament! It was the vintage MS Dhoni.

I wish you the best for your future endeavors.

Yours,

Narendra Modi.