While growing up, Sachin was like a god for me : MS Dhoni

Dhoni said he admired Sachin because the batsman didn’t lose his humbleness despite being immensely successful

India’s most successful captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni claimed that cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was like a deity for him while he was growing up.

"When we were growing up, we used to watch Sachin (Tendulkar), he was like God to all of us. He had that aura around him," Dhoni said while interacting with the Indian diaspora during a reception organised in his honour in New Jersey by Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, as quoted by Zee News.

Dhoni was of the view that Sachin was a ‘very good role model’ because 'The Little Master' didn’t lose his humbleness even after being immensely successful.

"Every time he turned on the field, he wanted to improve as a cricketer. I felt he was an ideal person to look up to and that is what we did," said Dhoni.

When poised with a question about his comeback to the cricket field, Dhoni said October is the ‘earliest you will see me on the field.’

Dhoni further said that 2011 World Cup win was "really big not only for the team, but for the entire country.

Meanwhile, he also defined success as being ‘practical and honest’ in life.

"One of the most difficult things to control is a man's greed. There is no upper limit to greed. But at the same time, we should practically set a standard as to this is what I want to achieve," said Dhoni, adding that even though he is a ‘decent cricketer’ he cannot hope to become ‘Usain Bolt’, the fastest person in the world.

"Being practical in life and honest in life (is crucial)," he continued.

"What is important is what you are doing today and tomorrow because those small steps will in turn help you achieve in life what you want to become. Small things matter more than the bigger goal. While it is very important to dream, it is also important to be in the present," added Dhoni.

During the reception, Dhoni was honoured with a resolution in his name that lauded him for his achievements in cricket.