MS Dhoni turns 45 today, and the birthday celebrations for the former India captain are already in full swing across social media. Messages, videos and tribute posts have flooded every major platform as fans, fellow cricketers and public figures come together to celebrate one of the most admired icons in Indian cricket. Among the notable names sending wishes was Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, whose heartfelt message added to the special day.
In a post shared on his official Instagram account, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister thanked Dhoni for his contribution to sports and for inspiring generations of fans. Dhoni may be from Jharkhand, but his popularity in Tamil Nadu has been extraordinary, largely due to his long and successful association with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Over the years, the yellow jersey has turned him into a beloved figure in the state, where fans continue to call him “Thala” with unmatched affection.
“From every resounding whistle that echoes your name to the countless hearts you’ve inspired, your journey has become a cherished part of Tamil Nadu’s sporting emotion!” the Chief Minister wrote. He further added, “Happy Birthday to our ‘Captain Cool’ Mahendra Singh Dhoni! Your extraordinary cricketing legacy, calm leadership, and humble nature continue to inspire generations. Wishing you good health, happiness, and many more years of success. May the whistles for you only grow louder!”
ALSO READ: Ajit Agarkar Under Fire As Robin Uthappa Defends Sanju Samson
The post also featured a photo of Vijay and Dhoni sharing a warm greeting, further underlining the respect the cricketing legend commands beyond the field. The message quickly drew strong reactions online, with the post collecting more than 91,000 likes and hundreds of comments within minutes of being uploaded.
View this post on Instagram
That response once again showed how deeply Dhoni remains connected to fans, even after stepping away from international cricket. Born on July 7, 1981, Dhoni rose from Ranchi to become one of Indian cricket’s greatest success stories. He remains the second captain, after Kapil Dev, to lead India to an ODI World Cup title and is the only Indian captain to win the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Beyond the trophies, Dhoni’s legacy lies in his calm presence, sharp decision-making and extraordinary ability to pull India out of pressure situations time and again. His birthday is celebrated with equal passion in many parts of the country, especially in the southern states where his fan following has only grown stronger through his CSK years.
ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav Dismisses Fake Quotes, Voices Support For Team India
Reports have already suggested giant cut-outs being erected in his honour in Andhra Pradesh, while Dhoni’s appeal continues to cross borders, with even FIFA joining in on the celebrations. The official FIFA World Cup 2026 Instagram account shared a playful tribute featuring the caption, “7 Goals. Thala for a reason. Happy Thala Day.”
