A tweet by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar wishing formerIndian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the latter’s birthday has not gone downwell with the New Zealand media. The reason for the fury of the media is asubtle message for New Zealand in the legend’s post on microblogging siteTwitter. The tweet was posted by Tendulkar on Dhoni’s birthday on July 7, whichincidentally came right ahead of India vs New Zealand semi-final clash at OldTrafford in Manchester. Apart from wishing a happy birthday, Tendulkar alsowished luck to Dhoni for “the next two games”.

“Wish you a happy birthday @msdhoni! Have a great year. Allthe very best for the next two games,” read the tweet. And this means thatTendulkar already considered that Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue would win thesemi-final match against the Black Caps.

A report in New Zealand-based nzherald.co.nz called it a“slight dig” by the Master Blaster on the Black Caps. The report also quoted aremark by New Zealand coach Gary Stead wherein he said that he would expect thelegendary cricketer to wish their players too whose birthday was coming up. Thoughthe coach conceded that India were a quality team, with “matchwinners rightthroughout their line-up”, he added that the match at Old Trafford woulddisplay “what Kiwis are made out of”.