Real recognizes real. And so did Captain Cool MS Dhoni himself, who showered praise on the current Indian cricket team after their triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados on Saturday, where they defeated South Africa to claim their first ICC trophy since 2013. India has finally clinched a T20 World Cup trophy after their initial success in the inaugural edition of the tournament all the way back in 2007, under the leadership of one man: MS Dhoni.
Dhoni had been the last Indian skipper to lead the team to international success, claiming both the T20 and ODI World Cups for India in 2007 and 2011 respectively. And it was finally Rohit Sharma who brought glory back to India, prompting the retired legend to share his excitement and pride for witnessing the same.
MS Dhoni special message for Team India after World Cup triumph
In a triumphant moment for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma’s team capped off the 2024 T20 World Cup with a thrilling victory against South Africa. This win ended India’s 11-year drought for an ICC title, with the Men in Blue edging out the Proteas by a narrow margin of seven runs in a thrilling final on June 29.
The impact of this victory transcended the cricketing world. Even the famously private MS Dhoni, known for his limited social media presence, emerged from his silence to celebrate with Team India. Captain cool Dhoni took to Instagram to congratulate Team India on T20 World Cup title triumph.
“WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2024.My heart rate was up,well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what u guys did. From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS. arreeee thanks for the priceless birthday gift,” Dhoni wrote on his Instagram post.
After the match, when asked about MS Dhoni’s social media post congratulating the team, Rohit Sharma expressed his appreciation. He acknowledged Dhoni’s legendary status, stating that it “felt good” to receive his praise.
Rohit Sharma on MS Dhoni after Team India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph
Team India captain Rohit Sharma spoke about MS Dhoni’s appreciation post after the Men in Blue clinched their second T20 World Cup trophy on Saturday, June 29, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The 37-year-old recalled Dhoni’s contributions and said he felt over the moon to see the keeper-batter’s post.
Dhoni had led India to the 2007 T20 World Cup, beating Pakistan in a nail-biting final in Johannesburg. The Ranchi-born cricketer went on to strengthen his legacy as a captain by leading the team to the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
Dhoni claimed that his heart rate went up during the final and thanked Team India for the priceless birthday gift. The wicketkeeper celebrates his birthday on July 7.
Addressing Dhoni’s comments, Rohit said, as quoted by ANI:
“Dhoni was a fabulous player. He did a lot for us and the country. I felt good that he appreciated us after our victory.”
The captain led from the front in the World Cup, scoring 92 and 57 against Australia and England, respectively, in two crucial games. While Rohit perished for a single-figure score in the final on Saturday, he retired as the highest run-getter in the format with 4231 runs in 159 T20Is.
Rohit Sharma on World Cup triumph
At the post-game presser, Rohit Sharma admitted he was desperate to win the trophy and was now happy to have finally achieved it. He said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
“I wish I could capture that moment myself but not really, you can’t do that but I will always remember that. Yeah, those are the moments you wait for and then you don’t plan these things, it just happens because you’re so desperate for certain things in life and I was very desperate for this in my life. So happy that we eventually crossed the line this time.”
Along with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli also announced his retirement from T20Is. The decorated pair went out as the top two run-getters in the format.