Former India skipper MS Dhoni is considered as one of the best names to lead the side because he had done what others couldn’t – ended India’s wait of 28 years to win the second ODI World Cup in 2011.
A Dhoni-led Indian side defeated Sri Lanka in a nerve-racking final to lift the coveted trophy. It was the Indian skipper who gave the game final touches by finishing the chase with a six, leaving the crowd and entire nation into a frenzy. However, while the celebrations had barely settled, Dhoni disappeared.
By the next morning, he was almost unrecognisable. The wicketkeeper-batter who had guided the side to the most memorable win, had shaved off his head, and was completely bald. But, why did he do so? Let’s take you through the story.
MS Dhoni captained for the first time “On this Day in 2007” & rest is history:
T20 World Cup in 2007
Test mace in 2010
IPL in 2010
CLT20 in 2010
Asia Cup in 2010
World Cup in 2011
Test mace in 2011
IPL in 2011
Champions Trophy in 2013
CLT20 in 2014
Asia Cup in 2016
IPL in 2018
IPL in 2021
IPL in 2023— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 14, 2023
MS Dhoni Shaved His Head at Midnight
As per reports that immediately started doing rounds following Dhoni’s new hair-do, the Ranchi-born shaved his head in the middle of the night in his hotel room, just a few hours after lifting the trophy. Per media claims, the time was between 2:45 am to 3:00 am, following advice from a priest. The reason was reported to be a religious pledge, mannat, that he had made to a local deity, back home, at Deori Maa Temple near Ranchi.
Read More: Why Sourav Ganguly took off his shirt at Lord’s in 2002 to celebrate India’s win in NatWest Trophy final
By shaving his head, he had fulfilled the pledge, and as per reports, his hair was subsequently offered at the Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirupati. Dhoni made his first public appearance after it during the photo session with the World Cup trophy at Mumbai’s Gateway of India on April 3, 2011, the day after the win.
