Talismanic India ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today offered prayers at the famous Deori temple after being conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

Soon after the news broke out, Dhoni drove to the Deori temple, about 55 km from here, to offer obeisance to the deity.



Dhoni became the only second cricketer after master blaster Sachin Tendulkar to be honoured with the award.

Describing Dhoni as the 'true ratna' of the nation and state, Chief Minister Madhu Koda said the cricketer deserved the award and wished him more laurels in future.

"I wish him all success in his eventful career. In his short career Dhoni won Jharkhand Khel Ratna and now the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country's highest award in sports. We are all extremely happy," Koda said.

He expressed hope that Dhoni's example will inspire children of the state to work harder.