By IANS
Ranchi : “I have given my long hair a break,” said India’s one-day international and Twenty20 cricket captain Mahendra Singh here Thursday sporting a new trimmed look.
A day after his arrival, Dhoni was felicitated in his hometown by Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda and his cabinet colleagues.
Talking to reporters at the function, Dhoni spoke about his new look.
“The long hair style was continuing for three-and-a-half years. I have given a break to my long hair,” he said.
Dhoni reportedly got his famous locks trimmed for shooting a commercial.
Asked about his numerous girlfriends, the Ranchi native, tongue firmly in cheek, said: “You (media persons) change my girl friends every two days. Please let one continue for some time.”
Dhoni arrived in Ranchi Wednesday evening and was accorded a low profile welcome. He was hardly recognisable on arrival at the airport, with his long hair missing.
Chief Minister Koda organised the function at his official residence to felicitate Dhoni for leading India to victory in Twenty20 world championships in South Africa last month.
Koda also announced a surprise gift.
“Time has come to reveal the surprise gift,” declared Koda before handing over keys of a gleaming Toyota Corolla to Dhoni and a cheque of Rs.500,000 ($12,664).
Dhoni accepted the car but donated the money to the chief minister’s relief fund.
“Dhoni has proved that flowers bloom even in jungles,” said Koda, speaking on the occasion.
“It was team effort not an individual victory. After the World Cup debacle earlier this year, the victory has tried to overcome the shock,” commented Dhoni.
Asked about the forthcoming visit by Pakistan, he said: “The series with Pakistan is a tough one and we are prepared for it. But now I want to rest and recharge my batteries to gear up for the tour.”