As MS Dhoni’s name was announced, the ex-Indian cricket team captain marched past the dignitaries present at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan before receiving Padma Bhushan award from President Ram Nath K
Exactly seven years after lighting up the Mumbai skyline with an unforgettable six, MS Dhoni again became the cynosure of all eyes as the honorary Lieutenant Colonel received the Padma Bhushan Award, dressed in an army uniform.
It was a happy coincidence for Dhoni as he was conferred with the prestigious civilian honour on the seventh anniversary of their famous World Cup triumph.
The Indian Territorial Army had conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Dhoni on November 1, 2011, months after the country lifted its second World Cup under his leadership.
The 37-year-old Dhoni is the second Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev to receive this honour.
Dhoni has been the recipient of many awards, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 (the first player to win the award twice), the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2007 and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour in 2009.