Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Dhoni embodies 'spirit of new India' where 'family name' doesn't decide destinies: Modi

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi has described Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the embodiment of a new India where family name does not make one's destiny.

In a letter to the two-time World Cup-winning former India captain, who retired from international cricket last week, Modi said: "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."


Dhoni shared the letter on (20) in his first social media post since the "consider me retired" note on Instagram that had stunned fans on Saturday.

Modi said the "correct way to assess" Dhoni's "impact is as a phenomenon".

He said the cricketer's rise and conduct "gives strength and inspiration to crores [millions] of youngsters who like you [Dhoni] haven't been to cushy schools or colleges, neither do they belong to illustrious families but they have the talent to distinguish themselves at the highest level".

"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," Modi wrote.

"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."

Calling him one of the greatest captains and one of the best wicket-keepers the game had seen, Modi said Dhoni’s "dependability in tough situations" and "style of finishing matches, particularly the 2011 World Cup final, will forever be etched in the public memory for generations".

He also praised ‘Captain Cool’ for being composed amid highs and lows of the game. "No matter what hairstyle you sported, your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat, which is very important for every youth," Modi said.

Dhoni, who is also an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army, thanked the prime minister for the "appreciation and good wishes".

From humble beginnings in the state of Jharkhand, and working as railways ticket collector, Dhoni's emergence as Indian cricket's poster boy was the stuff of legend.

He amassed 17,000 international runs across formats, including 16 centuries, and more than 800 victims as wicket-keeper.

More For You

David Beckham

Beckham’s arm surgery linked to an old injury from a 2003 football match

Getty Images

David Beckham hospitalised for arm surgery after years of pain from old football injury

Quick highlights:

  • David Beckham had surgery on his right arm following years of discomfort from a 2003 injury.
  • Victoria Beckham posted a hospital photo with the caption “Get well soon Daddy.”
  • Doctors removed a pin that failed to dissolve from an earlier procedure.
  • Fans flooded social media with support as Beckham begins recovery.

David Beckham has undergone surgery on his right arm after enduring years of pain from an old football injury. The former England captain was admitted to hospital this week, where doctors corrected a long-standing issue stemming from a 2003 match against South Africa. Beckham is now recovering, with his wife Victoria offering fans a glimpse into his post-op condition through an Instagram update.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

Sir Sajid Javid (Photo by Tom Nicholson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

A cross-party group has been formed to tackle the deep divisions that sparked last summer's riots across England. The new commission will be led by former Tory minister Sir Sajid Javid and ex-Labour MP Jon Cruddas.

The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion has backing from both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It brings together 19 experts from different political parties and walks of life.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prabhas Kalki 2898 AD anniversary

Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role

One year of 'Kalki 2898 AD': How Prabhas reminded everyone he’s still the pan-India superstar

It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.

Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Masum

Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)

West Yorkshire Police

Habibur Masum convicted of murdering estranged wife in front of baby

A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to death in Bradford in front of their baby has been convicted of murder.

Habibur Masum, 26, attacked 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, stabbing her more than 25 times while she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram. The baby was not harmed.

Keep ReadingShow less