Renowned globally for his exceptional cricketing prowess and humble demeanor, MS Dhoni stands as an icon in the cricketing world. Recently, Dhoni was spotted practicing in the nets with a sticker from his childhood friend Paramjit Singh’s sports shop, Prime Sports, adorning his bat. This heartwarming gesture symbolizes Dhoni’s gratitude towards Paramjit, who supported him with cricketing equipment in his formative years and facilitated his first kit sponsorship with BAS.
Dhoni’s act of loyalty towards Paramjit echoes a pattern of gratitude and loyalty he has displayed throughout his career. Somi Kohli, the proprietor of Beat All Sports (BAS), disclosed that during the 2019 ODI World Cup, Dhoni chose not to accept payment for featuring the BAS logo on his bat. Kohli, the first to sponsor Dhoni in his early cricketing journey, recounted how Dhoni prioritized loyalty over lucrative contracts, opting to honor those who stood by him during his ascent to cricketing stardom.
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During the 2019 World Cup, Dhoni also sported the SS logo on his bat, a nod to his appreciation for another significant supporter. Despite India’s semifinal loss to New Zealand, Dhoni’s valiant half-century marked a poignant moment as it signified his final appearance in national team colors.
Virat Kohli said: “Dhoni did not mention any money. He just said ‘Put your stickers on my bats and send them across’. I tried to convince him, ‘You’re letting go of such a lucrative contract’. He let go of crores of rupees worth of contract. I requested his wife Sakshi, his father, mother. Even told his CA and Paramjit from Ranchi. They all went to his home before the World Cup. But he said ‘No… it is my decision.”
The bond between Dhoni and Kohli traces back to 1998 when Kohli extended a helping hand to the aspiring cricketer. Their paths intersected in 2004 following Dhoni’s debut for the Indian team. Notably, Dhoni’s inaugural international century was achieved with the BAS sticker embellishing his bat, further cementing the enduring partnership between the two.
Dhoni’s actions transcend mere sporting gestures; they exemplify gratitude, loyalty, and humility. His decision to honor his roots and acknowledge those who aided his journey serves as a testament to his character both on and off the field. As Dhoni prepares for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, his bat not only symbolizes his prowess as a cricketer but also embodies the values of loyalty and gratitude that define his remarkable persona.
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