Vimal Kumar narrates a heart-warming incident with MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar one of the key players for the Indian camp (Twitter)

Senior journalist Vimal Kumar has been covering cricket for over 22 years. He has interviewed several star players, covered uncountable number of series, and also written a book on Sachin Tendulkar titled ‘Sachin: Cricketer of the Century.’

In a recent interview with OneCricket, Vimal recalled the launch of his book back in 2013, for which he invited Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. He narrated an incident in which MS Dhoni proved why he is one of the most loved cricketers in the world.

“Sachin had already informed me in advance that he would not speak at the book launch because his own autobiography was going to come out some time later. I was like okay, you just launch the book and that will be more than enough,” recalls the author. “But when I asked Dhoni to speak at the launch, he agreed,” Kumar adds.

“On the day of the book launch, both Dhoni and Sachin called me up. We had arranged a car for their pick up but Sachin told me not to worry about the car, and that he would come with Dhoni in his car. When Dhoni called, he asked me what he had to say at the launch. I was like you have been handling the media for so long, I'm sure I am in no position to guide you on what to speak at the event. Just talk the way you normally do at a press conference,” he narrates.

“Then when I went to receive them, my attention primarily went to Sachin because the book was on him. I was so lost in Sachin that I forgot to receive Dhoni, who walked behind us,"

"Suddenly I realised about it, and apologised to Dhoni while explaining why I was lost in Sachin. But Dhoni calmly said, "arre aaj toh banta hai main jaanta hu" I loved his humility,” 

“Despite achieving so much he was so humble. He was my guest but I unintentionally ended up ignoring him. Yet, he didn't mind at all. That speaks volumes about the man's character,” Kumar concluded.

MS Dhoni is still one of the most polarising figures in the Indian cricketing fraternity. The legendary Indian skipper boasts a massive fan following for his values and humility on and off the field.

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