Wasim Jaffer shares unheard story of young MS Dhoni as former India captain celebrates 42nd birthday 

MS Dhoni & Wasim Jaffer (Source: Twitter)

One of the most successful captains in cricket history, MS Dhoni celebrates his 42nd birthday on Friday (July 7) and has been showered with wishes and love from his fans across the globe. Dhoni has led India to three major international trophies while also guiding Chennai Super Kings to five victories. However, his captaincy brilliance was merely a complement to his batting talent and wicketkeeping skills.

When he made his debut in 2004, the young Dhoni with long hair wowed everyone with his fearless batting approach. We may not see many helicopter shots from his bat these days, but his mastermind and lightning-quick stumpings are still on the spot, as seen by his performance in the recently ended Indian Premier League when he led CSK to their fifth triumph.

‘If I make 30 lakhs, that will be enough for me to live peacefully’: Jaffer recalls a conversation with Dhoni

As Dhoni celebrates his special day, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer revealed an unheard story about him back from the year 2005. Recalling the conversations with the former India captain, Jaffer said that Dhoni wanted to earn 30 lakh rupees and spend the rest of his life peacefully in his hometown Ranchi.

“We all know that he used to work in Railways, and had to travel a lot to practice his game. Even after all the struggle, there were times when he did not get an opportunity to play. I think he left that job, or something was the case, and he used to say that he wants to make 30 lakhs so that he can spend the rest of his life peacefully in Ranchi and he doesn’t want to leave Ranchi also," Jaffer told Sportskeeda.

"He said come what may, he will never leave Ranchi. Since he was very new to the international setup back then, he used to say ‘If I make 30 lakh, that will be enough for me to live peacefully’. That’s how grounded he was, and that’s how grounded I feel he still is. Even after achieving so much in his career after so long, that is the humility of the man. He has small goals and small aims," the former India opener added.