Smriti Mandhana Reckons MS Dhoni Inspired Everyone Around Him To Be A Better Cricketer And An Even Better Human Being

Smriti Mandhana, India’s swashbuckling opener, believes that former Indian captain MS Dhoni has inspired everyone around him to be a better cricketer and human being.

Mandhana’s remarks came after the legendary MS Dhoni put an end to an end to year-long speculations around his international future by announcing his retirement from the game via an Instagram post on Independence Day.

Dhoni shared a beautiful throwback video, showcasing all the highs and lows that he endured in his 16-year-old career, and captioned it as ‘thank u for all the love and memories. from 19:29 consider me as retired”

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Smriti Mandhana reminisces MS Dhoni’s match-winning 91 in the 2011 World Cup final

Since then, social media has seen an avalanche of tributes for the legendary Indian cricketer, who happens to be the only captain to lead his country to all the three ICC events- T20 World Cup 2007, 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Smriti Mandhana, in a video shared by the official Twitter handle of the Indian women’s cricket team, reminisced about MS Dhoni’s knock in the 2011 World Cup final.

Dhoni, who had endured a mediocre tournament with the bat leading into the finals, decided to lead from the front in the all-important final by promoting himself ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh. The right-hander soaked up the pressure brilliantly and eventually led India to World Cup triumph with the iconic six over Nuwan Kulasekara.

“I still remember the way Mahi sir walked out to bat in the 2011 World Cup final, the confidence on his face was something which I got inspired by, I am sure he has inspired everyone around him to be a better cricketer and most importantly a better human being,” Smriti Mandhana said.

Watch the video here:

“He has inspired everyone around him to be a better cricketer, leader and most importantly, a better human being,” #TeamIndia batter @mandhana_smriti hails “inspirational” @msdhoni.#ThankYouMSDhoni pic.twitter.com/7fh3LKTvDI

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) August 17, 2020