Kolkata: Mahendra Singh Dhoni also known as MSD needs no introduction. The man, who made his way to the top from being a railway ticket collector to ‘Captain Cool’, before ending his international career with three ICC trophies — the most by any captain.
The Ranchi-lad started with the inaugural World T20 title in 2007, the 2011 ODI World Cup at home and finally the Champions Trophy in 2013 in England. As ‘Captain Cool’ celebrates his 40th birthday today, let’s relive his remarkable journey of cricket.
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Dhoni made his international debut against Bangladesh in an ODI in 2004 but that didn’t go well as he was run-out for a golden duck. It took a few matches for Dhoni to get into the groove and when he did, he did in his own style blasting a majestic 148 against Pakistan in Vizag in 2005 promoted up the order.
He continued his spectacular form in the subsequent Sri Lanka series too, smashing an unbeaten 183 off 145 balls — the then highest individual ODI score in the second innings. The same year, Dhoni was included in the Test team.
A legend and an inspiration! 🙌 🙌
Here's wishing former #TeamIndia captain @msdhoni a very happy birthday. 🎂 👏#HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/QFsEUB3BdV
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 6, 2021
However, after the 2007 World Cup debacle in West Indies where India were knocked out in the group stages itself, the Men in Blue, faced severe criticism. The same year, Dhoni was given the charge of a young Indian side at the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Dhoni began in style with India registering their first T20I victory and that too against Pakistan in a bowl out. The win was a stepping stone in Dhoni’s captaincy career as he went on to win the title defeating Pakistan again in the final by five runs. Later he went on to lead the country in both ODIs and Tests. His batting style also changed from aggressive to adaptive as he progressed.
Dhoni was again the talk of the town as he led India to their second World Cup title in 2011 after Kapil Dev’s 1983 triumph. Chasing close to 300 in the final against Sri Lanka, Dhoni led from the front with an unbeaten 91 including the winning six that will be etched in history forever. For over a decade, Dhoni’s unorthodox batting style, especially the famed helicopter shot, gave international bowlers a headache.
There’s a reason they call him Captain Cool 😎
On his birthday, relive some of MS Dhoni’s greatest calls as @BCCI skipper 👨✈ pic.twitter.com/8nK5hvTuWM
— ICC (@ICC) July 7, 2021
Dhoni had captained India in 31 Tests at home winning 21 of them. Under Dhoni, India had tremendous success across all formats. They reached the No. 1 ranking in ICC Test ratings. Dhoni has played 350 ODIs, scored 10,773 runs with 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries. In 98 T20Is, he has scored 1,617 and is considered one of the greatest ‘finishers’ in world cricket.
The 40-year-old might hanged up his boots from international cricket in August 2020, but he still holds a special place in the hearts of his fans. He will continue to entrain his fans in the Indian Premier League leading Chennai Super Kings.
