Former India captain MS Dhoni turned 45 on Tuesday, with birthday wishes pouring in from across the sporting world. From the BCCI and former teammates to the FIFA World Cup 2026 social media team, tributes celebrated one of Indian cricket’s most iconic leaders.
Adding a fun twist to the celebrations, the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Instagram account joined the festivities with a post featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, all tied on seven goals at the ongoing tournament.
The caption read: “7 Goals. Thala for a reason. Happy Thala Day,” a playful nod to Dhoni’s iconic No. 7 jersey and the “Thala” moniker made famous by Chennai Super Kings fans.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also extended his wishes, posting a picture with Dhoni on X.
“Heartiest birthday wishes to MS Dhoni, a true icon of Indian cricket whose leadership and legacy continue to inspire millions. Wishing you good health, happiness, and many more memorable years ahead.”
Heartiest birthday wishes to @msdhoni
A true icon of Indian cricket whose leadership and legacy continue to inspire millions. Wishing you good health, happiness, and many more memorable years ahead. pic.twitter.com/Kzdzs2L91f
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) July 7, 2026
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan shared a photograph from India’s victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign, writing:
“Happy Birthday, @msdhoni bhai! Your calmness under pressure and the way you’ve led the game will always inspire cricketers around the world. Wishing you good health and happiness always.”
Former batter Aakash Chopra summed up Dhoni’s impact in a simple tribute:
“Some players win matches. Some win trophies. MS Dhoni won an era. Happy Birthday Maahi.”
The BCCI also honoured the former captain by highlighting his glittering international career.
“538 Intl Matches, 17,266 Intl Runs, 829 Intl Dismissals behind the stumps. Winning Captain of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2007, ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Happy Birthday to former #TeamIndia captain @msdhoni, an absolute icon of the game.”
5⃣3⃣8⃣ Intl Matches 🙌
1⃣7⃣,2⃣6⃣6⃣ Intl Runs 👌
8⃣2⃣9⃣ Intl Dismissals behind the stumps 👏Winning Captain of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2007, ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013 🏆🏆🏆
Happy Birthday to Former #TeamIndia Captain @msdhoni, an absolute icon of… pic.twitter.com/rsovep8gWI
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 7, 2026
Chennai Super Kings, the franchise synonymous with Dhoni’s IPL legacy, released a heartfelt tribute video with the caption:
“A hero who became a way of life. A legacy that lives through every generation.”
A hero who became a way of life ✨
A legacy that lives through every generation 🦁#HappyBirthdayThala #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/y8RZ9X2AGZ— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 6, 2026
Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 and went on to redefine Indian cricket with his calm leadership and unmatched finishing ability. He remains the only captain to have led India to all three major ICC white-ball titles, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2007), the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (2011) and the ICC Champions Trophy (2013).
Although he retired from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to enthral fans in the Indian Premier League, where he has guided Chennai Super Kings to five titles and remains one of the sport’s most beloved figures.