MS Dhoni is not not just a cricketer anymore. He is an emotion and the way millions are celebrating his 42nd birthday on July 7 is proof. Just before turning 42, Dhoni gave immense joy to his fans by winning the fifth IPL title for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The former India captain again showcased his magical leadership skills by leading a team struck with injuries of key players. Dhoni himself was seen limping due to his knee injury on several occasions during the tournament. However, he did not give up. He lived up to expectation of his name, his aura and made the impossible look possible.

The never give up attitude and the monk-like composure have earned Dhoni millions of fans across the globe. The Ranchi-born star has led to a paradigm shift in the attitude and outlook of small town dreamers especially. Here is why Dhoni is the ultimate role model for them.
No big is dream is big, not being privileged is not a setback
Every kid in India at one stage has dreamt of becoming an Indian cricketer. Not many have lived the dream. Dhoni took the road less travelled and with sheer dedication climbed up to the epitome of Indian cricket to set an example like none.
He did not make an excuse of not being a player representing cricket powerhouses Mumbai, Delhi, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu. He just kept on hitting balls for Bihar and Jharkhand before selectors took a note of him. Setbacks did not move his intent by an inch and when the opportunity arrived he took it humbly and kept on working hard.
He did not just get satisfied by earning an India call-up. He was not even satisfied after winning two world cups and a champions trophy. He is not satisfied even after winning an IPL trophy at 41 years of age. Stay hungry and keep feeding your hunger is the message he has given to people coming from smaller cities and towns.
Humble background, humble nature, humble living
Not many will make a fortune worth 1000 crores and opt to live in a tier-2 city like Ranchi. However, Dhoni from the very beginning was sure that he would never live away from his hometown. He continues to do so and live among his people and with his family.
He could easily have married a Bollywood diva or any high-profile celebrity but his choice of partner in Sakshi Rawat proves his thought process. Despite being watched and revered by millions for almost two decades now, Dhoni does not have an air of pride around him. BCCI president Jay Shah or groundsmen of any particular stadium - Dhoni meets and greets people without any visible difference.
In an era when players have their diet chart planned, Dhoni takes a few sips of tea whenever he is offered. MS Dhoni has his life and priorities sorted.
Social media and parties are not the only way to chill
MS Dhoni recently won the fifth IPL title with CSK. People lined up for pictures with him, while broadcasters and media dedicated their entire space for him. But the man, the legend and the myth himself posted not a single picture. His last Instagram story from February 8 shows him farming.
Dhoni lives a very private life and there is a strong message to a world behind it, especially those from smaller towns. The glittery Instagram world is an illusion. You create your own world, and when you make one be sure of filling it with productive activities for a quality life.
The transition effects in your reels don't matter. The transition which your day-to-day activity leads to does.
Big city guys are just normal guys, you can become their leader
Legendary Sachin Tendulkar, a Mumbai guy, played under Dhoni and rated him as the best captain of his career. The likes of Virender Sehwag (Delhi), Gautam Gambhir (Delhi), Yuvraj Singh (Chandigarh), Rahul Dravid (Bangalore), VVS Laxman (Hyderabad) - all played under Dhoni.
Virat Kohli (Delhi), Rohit Sharma (Mumbai) and Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai) were all groomed under Dhoni. Quite evidently, Dhoni did not only change the perception of people towards a small town guy but also showed how the people just don't have an edge over you because they hail from a big city. The world bows if you have the capability to command their respect. They could look trendy and cool, but the cool and composed mind takes you in a different bracket altogether.