MS Dhoni and Pankaj Advani to receive the Padma Bhushan today

Cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni will receive the Padma Bhushan along with billiards champion Pankaj Advani on Monday (today).

It seems that 2nd April is very lucky for Dhoni, as on this day back in 2011, he led India to a famous World Cup victory. With the help of Gambhir and Dhoni, India successfully defeated Sri Lanka in the World Cup final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Co-incidentally, he will receive Padma Bhushan award today which is country’s third highest civilian award at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Dhoni has been India’s most successful captain. Under his captaincy, India won all the ICC trophies, making Dhoni the only captain to win all three trophies.

India also became the no. 1 Test side under his captaincy, which was the first time India had ascended to that spot. He became the eleventh cricketer to be announced for the award by the Government of India.

Dhoni is also one of the greatest captains in IPL history, leading CSK to two titles in eight years.

Yesterday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh hosted a dinner for 41 prominent people, who will be honoured with Padma awards.

Dhoni will be receiving the prestigious award from the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and MoS Home Kiren Rijiju will also be present.

This year, 84 Padma Awards were announced, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one). The list comprises three Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan, and 72 Padma Shri awards, an official told TOI.

Dhoni is coming back with his previous franchise, Chennai Super Kings. They have already started practising for the upcoming IPL season. CSK also played a practice match on Sunday (April 1) but Dhoni missed the game as he had flown to Delhi to collect his award.

Chennai Super Kings open their IPL campaign against Mumbai Indians in the first game of IPL on April 7.