He rose from the small confines of a city barely known for its cricket history. He didn't have the brightest of starts to his international career - but when he arrived, he became a phenomenon. A phenomenon so big, that years later, a West Indian cricketer born miles away in Trinidad and Tobago now recognises not only his city but dedicates a whole line to it in one of his songs for MS Dhoni.
Dhoni led a country which is passionate and highly opinionated about its cricket. Roughly a billion eyeballs applauded, analysed and scrutinized every move he made. On the field, however, the fanfare was received by an equally calming presence of Dhoni the captain, and Dhoni the batsman. It was almost as if he had this utter disregard for the situation - at least in his demeanour, which became weirdly reassuring with time. He seemed the single constant in the otherwise chaotic, ever-changing world.

With a thud to the handle, a little adjustment to the left eye and a swing of the elbow, he would take the guard and resume the use of his superpower - the ability to shut everything else all down and go on with his business.

Again, and again, and again, and again. For 350 ODIs, 90 Tests, 98 T20Is, and 190 matches in the Indian Premier League, to be precise.

The former Indian captain turned 39 on Tuesday and wishes have been pouring in from all corners of the world for him. For fans and cricketers across the globe, MS Dhoni is one of the greatest captains, greatest hitters and greatest limited-overs batsmen to ever grace the game. For Indians, he is all and above it all, too. He is the revered 'Thala' - the leader.