5 times MS Dhoni was much more than a cricketer

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni took to Instagram yesterday to announce his retirement from international cricket. The post featured a compilation of his best moments in India colours, and was captioned:

"Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."

Soon after, his friend and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate Suresh Raina followed suit, stating on his Instagram that he is joining MS Dhoni on this journey.

In the wake of this shocking development, various tributes have poured in from all corners of the cricketing fraternity. Almost every one of MS Dhoni's teammates have come out and thanked the 39-year-old for his help and service to the country.

But MS Dhoni was, and still is, much more than a cricketer. We take a look at 5 instances that confirmed the same.

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#5 MS Dhoni refuses to let the Indian flag touch the ground

MS Dhoni is known for being patriotic, and he has displayed this on innumerable occasions in the past. One recent incident that comes to mind is from a T20I between India and New Zealand in 2019.

A fan ran on to pitch while the wicket-keeper was donning the gloves, and fell at his feet with the Indian flag in hand. As the fan bent down, however, the tricolour brushed the floor.

MS Dhoni immediately caught hold of the flag, before briefly acknowledging the fan's gesture. This is just one of many such incidents, but the fact that it happened in his last year in international cricket, as well as the team against which he played his last game, lends immense poetic value to it.

What a player! pic.twitter.com/0K6ew0Pbx1

— Abhishek Pandey (@abhishekpnd63) February 10, 2019

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#4 When MS Dhoni cancelled a trip that Gary Kirsten wasn't allowed to attend

MS Dhoni and Kirsten formed a fruitful partnership in the Indian cricket team

Former Indian coach Gary Kirsten recently narrated a story in which the team was scheduled to go on a trip to an air school in Bengaluru. However, the South African and his support staff were denied entry as they were considered to be a safety risk.

MS Dhoni cancelled the trip altogether, saying that they're not going if everyone is not allowed to go. Kirsten shed some light on the incident:

"We had a couple of foreigners in our support staff, and we got word back on the morning before the whole team was meant to go, while everyone was looking forward to the event - that the three South Africans, which were myself, Paddy Upton and Eric Simmons, weren't going to be allowed into the flight school because it was seen as a potential security risk."

"So MS cancelled the whole event. He just said, 'These are my people. If they're not allowed in, none of us are going'. And that was what he was all about."

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#3 MS Dhoni's charity work that often goes under the radar

MS Dhoni has been involved in charity work for a long time now

MS Dhoni is not very vocal about his charity work, but reports suggest that the Ranchi man is very generous with his donations. He established the MS Dhoni Charitable Foundation in 2010, and the organisation has contributed to various social causes, such as the betterment of Indian Army officials.

MS Dhoni was also seen presenting a 2 crore cheque to the Indian armed forces ahead of an IPL 2019 game, and has organised fundraisers to aid wounded soldiers. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain has opened cricket academies across the world as well, and continues to give back to the sport that has given him so much.

Even recently, MS Dhoni made the headlines for a donation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

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#2 MS Dhoni skips the birth of his daughter to play the 2015 World Cup

MS Dhoni led the Indian team to the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup

MS Dhoni was in Australia to participate in the 2015 World Cup, and his daughter was born just ahead of the quadrennial tournament. However, the then-33-year-old refused to fly back home to be with his wife and child, stating that he is on national duty and that everything else can wait.

"Yes, I have been blessed with a baby daughter. Both mom and child are fine. No (I will not return), I am on national duty. World Cup is important for me and I'd rather be here."

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#1 MS Dhoni, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army

MS Dhoni receiving the Padma Bhushan in his army uniform

Months after India's famous 2011 World Cup win, MS Dhoni was conferred the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Territorial Army.

And seven years later, he marched proudly up to President Ram Nath Kovind in his army uniform to collect India's third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan.

MS Dhoni even served the Indian army in Kashmir earlier this year, and took up guard and patrol duty for a period of two weeks.

“Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) MS Dhoni is proceeding to 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) for being with the Battalion from 31 Jul-15 Aug 2019,” a statement by the Indian Army said.

“The unit is in Kashmir as part of Victor Force. He’ll be taking duties of patrolling, guard&post duty and will be staying with troops.”