MS Dhoni (MSD) : Journey
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| MS Dhoni (MSD) : Journey | Captain Cool |
The world of cricket has witnessed the rise of many
legends, but few have left an indelible mark like Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Fondly
known as MSD or Captain Cool, Dhoni's career has been a saga of unparalleled
success, inspiring leadership, and unyielding determination. From his explosive
batting to his impeccable wicket-keeping skills, Dhoni's contributions to the
Indian national cricket team have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Born on 7th July 1981, Dhoni embarked on his cricketing
odyssey that would etch his name in the annals of the sport's history. Making
his debut in international cricket in 2004 against Bangladesh, he swiftly
showcased his prodigious talent. A year later, he donned the Test cap, becoming
a pillar of the Indian cricketing setup.
Dhoni's captaincy reign, which spanned from 2007 to 2016
in limited-overs formats and from 2008 to 2014 in Test cricket, witnessed a
golden era for Indian cricket. Under his astute leadership, Team India
triumphed in major tournaments, including the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in
2007, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013
ICC Champions Trophy. These victories etched India's name on the global
cricketing map, and Dhoni's inspiring captaincy was the driving force behind
the team's success.
A middle-order right-handed batsman, Dhoni possessed an
uncanny ability to finish matches, earning him the moniker of the
"finisher." His calm demeanor and steely nerves in pressure
situations made him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack. With over
10,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), Dhoni cemented his status as one
of the highest run scorers in the format.
But it wasn't just his batting that garnered accolades.
Dhoni's wicket-keeping skills were unparalleled. His lightning-fast reflexes
and agility behind the stumps earned him recognition as one of the greatest
wicket-keeper batsmen the game has ever witnessed. In 2018, he became the first
wicket-keeper to achieve 100 stumpings in ODI cricket, a testament to his
exceptional abilities.
Dhoni's accomplishments didn't go unnoticed, as he
received numerous accolades and honors throughout his career. He was bestowed
with the prestigious ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009,
becoming the first player to win the accolade twice. The Indian government
recognized his contributions by conferring upon him the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
award in 2007, the Padma Shri in 2009, and the Padma Bhushan in 2018, among the
highest civilian honors in the country.
The captaincy records held by Dhoni are a testament to
his leadership prowess. He holds records for the most wins by an Indian captain
in ODIs and T20Is, as well as the most back-to-back wins by an Indian captain
in ODIs. He steered the Indian team to its first-ever bilateral ODI series
victories in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, leaving an indelible mark on the team's
success.
One of Dhoni's crowning achievements came in June, 2013
when he led India to victory in the final of the Champions Trophy in England,
making him the first captain to win all three ICC limited-overs trophies - the
World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the World Twenty20. His captaincy extended
to Test cricket as well, where he led the team to series wins in New Zealand
and the West Indies, along with securing the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy in
2008, 2010, and 2013. Under his stewardship, India attained the number one
position in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2009.
Dhoni's captaincy was also highlighted by significant
milestones, including India's historic whitewash of Australia in a Test series
in 2013, a feat unmatched for over 40 years. In the Indian Premier League
(IPL), he captained the Chennai Super Kings to victory in the 2010, 2011, and
2018 seasons, as well as triumphs in the 2010 and 2014 editions of the
Champions League Twenty20. His prowess and leadership abilities earned him a
spot on Time magazine's annual Time 100 list in 2011, recognizing him as one of
the "Most Influential People in the World."
Off the field, Dhoni's association with India Cements
Ltd., where he holds the post of Vice-President, and his ownership of the
Chennai Super Kings in the IPL further solidified his impact on Indian cricket.
His influence extended beyond the boundaries of cricket, as he co-owned the
Indian Super League team Chennaiyin FC. Dhoni's marketability soared, earning
him the distinction of being the sixteenth most marketable athlete in the world
in 2012, according to Sports Pro. In 2015, Forbes ranked him 23rd on its list
of highest-paid athletes worldwide, estimating his earnings at a staggering
US$31 million.
Dhoni's remarkable journey and his impact on Indian
cricket prompted the creation of a biographical film, "M.S. Dhoni: The
Untold Story" in 2016. The movie chronicled his life and illustrious
cricketing career, culminating in the Indian team's momentous victory at the
2011 Cricket World Cup.
On 15th August 2020, the cricketing world bid farewell to a true legend as Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. Although he has hung up his boots, his legacy continues to inspire budding cricketers and fans worldwide. The name Mahendra Singh Dhoni will forever be etched in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts as a symbol of unparalleled leadership, remarkable skill, and unwavering spirit.
Personal Information :
- Name: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
- Date of Birth: July 7, 1981
- Age: 39
- Place of Birth: Ranchi, Bihar, India (now in Jharkhand)
- Nickname: Mahi, Captain Cool, MSD, Thala
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium
- Role: Wicket-keeper, Batsman
International Journey:
- National Side: India (2004-2019)
- Test Debut (Cap 251): December 2, 2005 against Sri Lanka
- Final Test Appearance: December 26, 2014 against Australia
- ODI Debut (Cap 158): December 23, 2004 against Bangladesh
- Last ODI Match: July 9, 2019 against New Zealand
- ODI Shirt Number: 7
- T20I Debut (Cap 2): December 1, 2006 against South Africa
- Last T20I Encounter: February 27, 2019 against Australia
- T20I Shirt Number: 7