Sporting icons : MS Dhoni career HLs & video of Indian wicketkeeping legend & captain

 


Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly known as MS Dhoni, was born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, India. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricket captains and wicket-keeper batsmen in the history of the sport. Under his leadership, the Indian cricket team achieved significant milestones, including winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Known for his calm demeanor, strategic acumen, and exceptional finishing abilities, Dhoni has left an indelible mark on the game and continues to inspire future generations of cricketers.


**Playing Style:**

MS Dhoni is renowned for his unorthodox yet effective playing style, both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper. As a batsman, he is known for his powerful hitting, especially in the lower middle order, often finishing games with his cool temperament and remarkable ability to handle pressure. His helicopter shot, a unique stroke where he whips the ball with a strong wrist action, is particularly famous. As a wicketkeeper, Dhoni is exceptionally quick and agile, known for his lightning-fast stumpings and innovative keeping techniques.


**Career Highlights:**


1. **Test Career:**

   - **Debut:** December 2, 2005, against Sri Lanka.

   - **Matches Played:** 90

   - **Runs Scored:** 4,876

   - **Centuries:** 6

   - **Half-Centuries:** 33

   - **Highest Score:** 224

   - **Dismissals (Catches/Stumpings):** 256/38


Dhoni played some stellar test knocks including his breathtaking 148 vs Pakistan at Faisabad vs a rampaging Shoaib Akthar , his match saving  innings in the 1st test of 2007 England tour , the test series which India won , His double hundred vs Australia at Chennai setting up the series win in 2013 . However surprisingly Dhoni dont have any overseas test hundred outside the subcontinent 


2. **ODI Career:**

   - **Debut:** December 23, 2004, against Bangladesh.

   - **Matches Played:** 350

   - **Runs Scored:** 10,773

   - **Centuries:** 10

   - **Half-Centuries:** 73

   - **Highest Score:** 183*

   - **Dismissals (Catches/Stumpings):** 321/123

   - **Captaincy:** Under Dhoni's captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.


Dhoni's batting was at its best in ODIs as he played several memorable knocks including his blistering 183 vs Sri Lanka & 148 vs Pakistan early in his career in 2005  as well as many match winning knocks in big chases , not to mention of his iconic 91 not out in the World cup final 2011




3. **T20I Career:**

   - **Debut:** December 1, 2006, against South Africa.

   - **Matches Played:** 98

   - **Runs Scored:** 1,617

   - **Highest Score:** 56

   - **Dismissals (Catches/Stumpings):** 57/34


4. **IPL Career:**

   - **Team:** Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

   - **Matches Played:** Over 200

   - **Runs Scored:** 5,000+

   - **Highest Score:** 84*

   - **Centuries:** 0

   - **Half-Centuries:** 24

   - **Captaincy:** Dhoni has led CSK to multiple IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021) and has been pivotal in making CSK one of the most successful franchises in the IPL history.



**MS Dhoni's International Captaincy Record:**


1. **Test Matches:**

   - **Captaincy Period:** 2008–2014

   - **Matches Captained:** 60

   - **Wins:** 27

   - **Losses:** 18

   - **Draws:** 15

   - **Winning Percentage:** 45%


2. **ODI Matches:**

   - **Captaincy Period:** 2007–2018

   - **Matches Captained:** 200

   - **Wins:** 110

   - **Losses:** 74

   - **Ties:** 5

   - **No Results:** 11

   - **Winning Percentage:** 55%


3. **T20I Matches:**

   - **Captaincy Period:** 2007–2016

   - **Matches Captained:** 72

   - **Wins:** 41

   - **Losses:** 28

   - **Ties:** 1

   - **No Results:** 2

   - **Winning Percentage:** 59%


**Key Achievements as Captain:**


1. **2007 ICC T20 World Cup:** Dhoni led India to victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup held in South Africa, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final.


2. **2011 ICC Cricket World Cup:** Under Dhoni's captaincy, India won the ICC Cricket World Cup, with Dhoni himself playing a match-winning knock in the final against Sri Lanka.


3. **2013 ICC Champions Trophy:** Dhoni became the first captain to win all three major ICC trophies when India triumphed in the Champions Trophy held in England.


4. **Test Rankings:** Under Dhoni's leadership, India became the No. 1 ranked Test team in the world for the first time in 2009.


Dhoni's tenure as captain is marked by his calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and the ability to get the best out of his players. His leadership style and achievements have left a lasting legacy in the annals of cricket history.


MS Dhoni has received numerous awards and honors throughout his illustrious career. Here are some of the key awards and recognitions he has received:

List of Awards 

1. **ICC Awards:**

   - **ICC ODI Player of the Year:** 2008, 2009 (First player to win this award twice)

   - **ICC Spirit of Cricket Award:** 2011


2. **National Awards:**

   - **Padma Bhushan:** 2018 (India's third-highest civilian award)

   - **Padma Shri:** 2009 (India's fourth-highest civilian award)

   - **Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award:** 2007 (India's highest sporting honor)


3. **State Awards:**

   - **Jharkhand Ratna Award:** 2011 (Highest civilian honor of the state of Jharkhand)

   - **Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel:** Indian Territorial Army, 2011 (for his contribution to cricket)


4. **Other Recognitions:**

   - **MTV Youth Icon of the Year:** 2006

   - **Honorary Doctorate:** De Montfort University, 2011


5. **Special Honors:**

   - **Named as Captain of ICC World ODI XI:** 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015

   - **Named as Captain of ICC World Test XI:** 2009


Dhoni's awards and recognitions reflect his significant contributions to cricket and his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.


MS Dhoni's ability to remain calm under pressure, his strategic thinking, and his leadership qualities have made him a legend in the cricketing world. His contributions to Indian cricket are immense, and he continues to be an inspiration for aspiring cricketers globally.


In the below 2 videos , watch Dhoni's breathtaking 148 vs Pakistan in Faislabad Test 2006 & his quicksilver stumping montage 



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