Cricketer-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar, one of the most respected voices in international cricket, shared a heartwarming moment with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni after his side lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their final 'league stage' home game. The entire Chennai Super Kings unit, led by MS Dhoni, were doing a lap of honour for fans around jam-packed Chepauk. Gavaskar, who at present is doing commentary in IPL, ran towards Dhoni to get the legendary wicket-keeper batter's autograph on his shirt, followed by a warm hug between the two cricketing legends. Gavaskar's gesture speaks volumes about the respect and emotions he and the entire nation have in their hearts for legend Dhoni.
The video of this incident went viral on social media. On a Star Sports show, when Sunil Gavaskar was asked about his emotional moment with Dhoni, the veteran broke down on live TV as he showed his autographed shirt to the camera.
Speaking from Star Sports Studio, Gavaskar said, "I decided to create a special memory When I got to know about MS Dhoni's lap of honour. That’s why I ran towards MSD to take his autograph. It was his last home game at Chepauk. Of course, he will get a chance to play here if CSK qualifies for the playoffs. But I decided to make that moment special. I was fortunate enough that someone in the camera unit had a marker pen. So, I am thankful to that person as well."
"So, I went to Mahi and requested him to sign an autograph on the shirt that I was wearing. It was so nice of him to acknowledge it. It was a very emotional moment for me because this fellow has made immense contributions to Indian Cricket," a teary-eyed Sunil Gavaskar stated.
Gavaskar said from Star Sports Studio, "Kapil Dev lifting the 1983 WC Trophy and MS Dhoni hitting that winning six in the 2011 WC final are the two cricketing moments I would love to see before I die."
Moments after taking Dhoni's autograph on his shirt, Gavaskar revealed that he was not prepared for it.
"I borrowed a pen as soon as I heard they are going to do this thing (taking a lap around the Chepauk). So, I kept it with me. Thank you, so much," said Gavaskar on Star Sports.
"Who doesn't love him? What he has done for Indian cricket over the years, it's been amazing. For me, the most important thing is the kind of role model he has been. There are so many youngsters in India who look up to him. The way he has handled himself has been absolutely fantastic," added the India legend.