By IANS
Ranchi : Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was accorded a huge welcome complete with drumbeats and flowers in his hometown here Friday by hundreds of fans who gathered to have a glimpse of their favourite cricketer.
Dhoni arrived here at around 1 p.m. and was greeted by Jharkhand Sports Minister Bandhu Tirkey, as fans cheered on, hailing India’s historic win against Australia in the Commonwealth Bank tri-series tournament.
As he stepped out of the Birsa Munda airport here he was welcomed according to the tribal custom with the beating of drums, while flowers were showered on him.
The fans raised slogans like “Jharkhand ka lal Dhoni zindabad” (Long Live the Son of Jharkhand).
Dhoni was escorted home in Z category security, said Richard Lakra, superintendent of police (Ranchi).
Tirkey announced that Dhoni, under-19 team member Saurav Tewary, hockey players Vimal Lakra, Sumarai Tete and other sportspersons would be honoured March 16.
“We will honour Dhoni, Tewary, Lakra, Tete and others on March 16 – the last day of the cultural fest taking place at the Morabadi grounds here,” the minister said.