MS Dhoni calls Sachin Tendulkar the ideal role model

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (R) ith Sachin Tendulkar

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni came out strongly in praise for the recently retired batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who was decorated with the Bharat Ratna yesterday.

Tendulkar was bestowed with the highest civilian award in India and was also the first sports person ever to receive the top honour.

“It is fantastic news. It has happened first time for a sportsperson,” Dhoni, on eve of the first Test against New Zealand, starting in Auckland on Thursday.

“We missed it to some extent, given that we are not in India. As a civilian, you cannot get a higher honour than this. He definitely deserves it. There is not anything too different one can say when talking about him,” said Dhoni.

Dhoni had special words for the cricket legend with respect to his behavior on and off the field.

“The way he has handled himself, not only on the field, but off the field as well, he is the ideal role model. The kind of pressures that are there in Indian cricket, he has handled them very well throughout his career.

“And the kind of performances he has given since the time he debuted, he has been fantastic. It is an honour well deserved,” concluded Dhoni.