Former India captain and the current Chennai Super Kings skipper, MS Dhoni, turned 41 on July 7th, 2022. He celebrated his big day in England where he is currently vacationing with his family; his wife Sakshi took to Instagram to post a series of pictures and videos from the grand celebration and the cake-cutting.
One of the greatest finishers and captains in white-ball cricket, a cult hero, a revered celebrity – MS Dhoni is loved by fans all around the world; wishes and tributes of all kinds poured in from all corners on social media on his birthday.
Barmy Army Trolled MS Dhoni
One such wish, though a trolling one, came from England cricket’s fan group Barmy Army, who posted a picture of Dhoni from India’s loss to England in the league stage game at the 2019 World Cup at Edgbaston. For his slow batting that day in a big run-chase, Dhoni was heavily blamed for India’s defeat that day.
“Happy Birthday MS, some amazing battles over the years,” the Barmy Army tweeted.
Happy Birthday MS, some amazing battles over the years
pic.twitter.com/S3KR2OBjvr
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 7, 2022
This distasteful tweet in the name of banter from the Barmy Army attracted huge flak from Indian and Dhoni fans, who shot them down with plenty of befitting replies.
CSK’s WhistlePodu Army Gave A Fitting Reply
But perhaps the best one came from the WhistlePodu Army, which is The Official Chennai Super Kings Fan Club.
The WhistlePodu Army’s Twitter account posted four images of India’s memorable win in the 2013 Champions Trophy final where they defeated hosts England at the same venue.
“Thank you & Yellove on behalf of all Dhoni fans. We love the courtesy extended amidst these battles and the amazing memories like these which we cherish,” they replied.
Here, check out this perfect reply by the Whistlepodu Army:
Thank you & Yellove on behalf of all Dhoni fans. We love the courtesy extended amidst these battles and the amazing memories like these which we cherish. #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/lhyK4Ob7Ud
— WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) July 7, 2022
Meanwhile, as far as MS Dhoni is concerned, the 41-year-old has already confirmed that he will continue to lead CSK next year, although a decision about the year after will be taken later.
“Definitely [I will play IPL 2023]. It’s a simple reason: it will be unfair to not play in Chennai and say thank you [to the fans]. Mumbai is one place where, as a team and as an individual, I have got a lot of love and affection. But it wouldn’t be nice to the CSK fans,” Dhoni had told Star Sports in the last game of CSK in IPL 2022.
“And also, hopefully next year there will be an opportunity where the teams will be travelling so it will be a like thank you to all the different places where we will be playing games at different venues. Whether it will be my last year or not that’s a big question, because you know we can’t really predict about something two years down the line. But definitely I’ll be working hard to come back strong next year.”
CSK had a largely disappointing campaign this year as they finished 9th in the points table with just 4 wins in 14 games.
Dhoni had given the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, but the all-rounder stepped down mid-season owing to the team’s and his own dismal performance, handing the reins back to ‘Thala’, who has vowed for the team’s stronger return in IPL 2023.
