MSK keeps promise, Srikanth receives bat signed by Dhoni

Champion shuttler Kidambi Srikanth was in for a pleasant surprise when BCCI senior selection committee chairman M.S.K. Prasad presented him an autographed bat signed by M.S. Dhoni.

Srikanth, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, is a huge admirer of the former India captain and had apparently asked MSK for a gift from Dhoni.

“Then, I told him that if he (Srikanth) reached the top level in badminton, he will get his gift. Meanwhile, I had spoken about Srikanth’s wish to MSD. He was more than happy to hear this and he told me that he himself is a regular badminton player and that he followed Indian badminton closely,” MSK informed Sportstar.  Srikanth attained the World No. 1 ranking in April.

It may be recalled here that Srikanth’s father K.V.S. Krishna was the one who introduced MSK to wicketkeeping.

“MSD personally autographed a bat and sent to my house to be presented to Srikanth. So I went all the way to Gopi Chand Academy to personally hand it over to him,” he said.

Those present on the occasion included Srikanth’s father, India’s chief national coach P. Gopi Chand and SAI athletics coach Nagapuri Ramesh.

“I am thrilled at this wonderful gesture. This surely will be one of my most priceless possessions,” said Srikanth, while thanking MSK for his gesture.