Former captain of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni declared his retirement from international cricket in 2020. He took to Instagram to thank his fans for their love and support and declare his retirement. The debut of MS Dhoni was a ray of hope for all the Indian cricket fans. He debuted as a wicketkeeper-batsman. In initial matches, he didn’t make it big, but everyone knew that he was filled with great potential. He soon found his form and contributed some of the best scores to the Indian cricket team.
In the Inaugural T20 World cup in 2007, he took over the duties of a captain for the Indian cricket team. Later, he took the responsibility of captain for all three formats and became one of the best captains of all time. The announcement about his retirement from test cricket in 2014 surprised everyone, as it was announced midway through the tour of Australia. He continued playing limited-overs cricket, though. MS Dhoni last played for the Indian team in the 2019 ODI World Cup semifinals, when India lost to New Zealand.
MS Dhoni’s Most Mesmerizing Moments
Let’s look at the top moments from the 16-year long international career of the most loved captain of India.
1. First International Century
Dhoni made a score of just 22 runs in his first four international innings. On debut day, he was out for a duck. But during his One Day International against Pakistan at Vizag, he scored an extraordinary 148 off 123 by hitting 15 fours and 4 sixes. India recorded a mammoth score of 356/9 and won the game. MS Dhoni was awarded Man of the Match.
2. Highest Score Against Sri Lanka
In 2005, the Indian Cricket team was chasing a target of 299 in an ODI against Srilanka. Dhoni, who came in after Sachin Tendulkar’s dismissal in the first over of the Indian innings, hit 15 fours and 10 sixes and scored an unbeaten 183 off 145 balls. The score, to date, is his highest and also the highest individual score by a wicketkeeper in ODIs.
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3. First Test Century
Dhoni’s maiden Test century was against Pakistan in Faisalabad during the 2006 India tour to Pakistan. Dhoni shined in the innings against bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, scoring 148 off 153 deliveries with 19 fours and 4 sixes. The Test finished off in a draw.
4. World’s Top ODI Batsman
In April 2006, Dhoni superseded Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the no. 1 ranked ODI batsman.
5. Dhoni Lifted Inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup In 2007
MS Dhoni was declared as India’s Captain for the inaugural T20 World Cup. This came after India was humiliated in the ODI World Cup in West Indies where they exited at the group stage. He led a youthful and energetic squad at the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa. India lost only one match in the entire tournament before beating Pakistan by five runs to lift the trophy.
Conclusion
Fans and the team will miss their most beloved captain. Under his captaincy, India got to excel and learn a lot. These moments hold as much importance for us as they do for the captain. The name ‘MSD’ will forever be engraved in our hearts and no matter how many captains come and go, he’ll always be regarded as the best captain of the Indian cricket team.
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