MS Dhoni turned 44 on July 7, and as always, his birthday wasn’t just another date—it became a nationwide celebration. The former India captain, known for his calm demeanor and unmatched legacy, chose to keep things simple in his hometown Ranchi. A video that quickly went viral captured the essence of the man: dressed casually in a sleeveless T-shirt, Dhoni cut a modest birthday cake, surrounded by close friends, offering them slices with his trademark smile. It was an intimate moment, yet one that lit up social media across the cricketing world.
While Dhoni chose a quiet celebration in Ranchi, his fans across the country went all out. In Vijayawada, a massive cutout of the Chennai Super Kings skipper towered above the streets—just like every year—surrounded by passionate supporters waving CSK flags and holding posters of Dhoni draped in traditional South Indian attire.
The connection between MS Dhoni and the southern states, especially Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, remains unshakeable, built on loyalty, triumphs, and his captaincy legacy in yellow since 2008. Though Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, his presence continues to inspire.
ALSO READ: Nasser Hussain on Shubman Gill’s Calm Captaincy: “He Won’t Be a Virat Kohli, and That’s a Strength”
In IPL 2025, he once again led CSK, and while the season didn’t go entirely their way, his unwavering composure and influence on the younger squad never wavered. His fans, as always, remain hopeful of another season, but Dhoni has kept his cards close.
No big cameras, no perfect angles… just a simple raw moment in the gym, when you see that low quality gym video, you know the emotions are real.💛
No PR team, no HD cameras, no staged moment Just Mahi, in his vest and lowers, quietly cutting his cake with his people around. No… pic.twitter.com/Iyt7FMr7Gm
— Abhinav MSDian™ (@Abhinav_hariom) July 7, 2025
Speaking after the season, he said he’d decide “in five to six months” if he’ll return—typical of a man who’s never rushed a decision. MS Dhoni’s cricketing journey is nothing short of legendary. Over 538 international matches, he amassed 17,266 runs and 829 dismissals.
His 10,773 ODI runs at an average of over 50, including 183* against Sri Lanka, are etched in cricketing history—especially considering he often batted at No. 6 or 7. No Indian captain has lifted more ICC trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Slams England’s Bazball After India’s Historic Edgbaston Triumph
As Test captain, MS Dhoni led India in 60 matches, winning 27. His memorable 224 against Australia and his record of twice whitewashing the Aussies in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy only add to the legend. But beyond the numbers, it’s Dhoni’s grace under pressure, humility, and quiet resolve that have endeared him to millions. On his 44th birthday, fans didn’t just wish him—they celebrated the man who turned pressure into poetry, game after game.
