Thala for a Reason: MS Dhoni-Inspired FIFA World Cup Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo Goes Viral | Source: X.com
FIFA World Cup posted a tribute message to MS Dhoni, using Cristiano Ronaldo’s picture on Instagram ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2024 match with the Czech Republic on Wednesday.
Interestingly, both Ronaldo and Dhoni share the iconic jersey number 7. The 42-year-old cricketer from Ranchi was a prolific match-winner and is celebrated as one of India’s greatest captains.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2019, MS Dhoni now only plays in the Indian Premier League, representing the Chennai Super Kings.
Here’s what FIFA World Cup wrote in caption alongside Ronaldo’s picture:
“Thala for a reason”
There was speculation that Dhoni might finish his career in the 2024 IPL season. On the eve of the IPL 2024 opener between CSK and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Dhoni announced his decision to step down as the captain of the Super Kings.
Dhoni passed the captaincy to Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad for IPL 2024. Under his leadership, CSK, with seven wins from 14 matches, did not reach the playoffs. The team finished fifth in the 10-team league, accumulating 14 points last season.
