‘You’ve been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of New India’ - PM Modi to MS Dhoni

After a glorious 15 years of ups and downs in international cricket, India’s most successful captain MS Dhoni called time on his career on August 15, having represented India last in July 2019. From former cricketers to film actors, from politicians to corporates, everyone paid tributes to the man and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a letter to the former Indian skipper, calling him the icon of New India.

“But, the name Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be remembered merely for his career statistics or specific match-winning roles. Looking at you as just a sports person would be injustice. The correct way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon!”

“Rising from humble beginnings in a small town, you burst onto the national scene, made a name for yourself and most importantly made India proud. Your rise and conduct thereafter give strength and inspiration to crores of youngsters who like you have not been to cushy schools or colleges, neither do they belong to illustrious families but they have the talent to distinguish themselves at the highest levels. You have been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of New India, where family name does not make young people’s destiny but they make their own names and their own destinies. Where we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed - this is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many youngsters with."

“Many of your memorable on-field moments exemplify a particular generation of Indians. This generation of Indians does not hesitate to take risks and back each other’s abilities in even the toughest situations - seen in the way you took risks many a time in backing little known youngsters to deliver in high pressure situations. The 2007 T-20 World Cup Finals is a perfect example of this spirit. This generation of Indians does not lose their nerve in decisive situations; we saw that in many of your innings and games.”