MUST-SEE: Here's what MS Dhoni said about Indian Army — VIDEO

New Delhi: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday relayed a message to every Indian, loud and clear, to respect soldiers and think about them everyday, not just on days of national importance.

Dhoni, 35, was talking at the toss of the India-New Zealand ODI series decider at Visakhapatnam today. He won the toss and elected to bat first. MS Dhoni & Co need to win the match to deny the Kiwis winning their first ever bilateral ODI series in India.

But the skipper took the opportunity to send the important message. The message holds special importance, as it came in the backdrop of escalating tension at the western border, where Indian soldiers are risking their lives to safeguard the nation.

'Mother's contribution' as important as a soldier's, says India Captain @msdhoni during the toss #Sandesh2Mothers #Sandesh2Soldiers pic.twitter.com/4vRrq1IWtH — BCCI (@BCCI) October 29, 2016

"Often we talk about soldiers and get patriotic before the 26th of January and 15th of August. What's important is to get up everyday and thank them for what they have been doing and in the same way the contribution of mom, we need to appreciate it in the same way. We have couple of changes," Dhoni said.

And in an unfortunate incident, terrorists mutilated Indian soldier's body in cross-LoC attack yesterday. The barbaric action has send shockwaves across India.

The skipper also stressed on the role played by mothers.

"I think it's a brilliant initiative (speaking about the special jersey designed with mother's name). Also what's important is that, we are quite used to surname from dad's side, but its important to appreciate the contribution of moms. If you ask about me, I was always emotionally connected towards my mom. It's just that the mother's contribution often we don't appreciate it the same way. It's something I request and the whole of India should keep in their mind," he told.

India lost the fourth ODI match at Dhoni's hometown, Ranchi.