MS Dhoni

Personal Details

MS Dhoni’s Recent Matches

MS Dhoni Batting Stats

MS Dhoni IPL Stats year-wise

MS Dhoni Bowling Stats

Teams

• India 
• Bihar
• Chennai Super Kings
• India B
• East Zone
• Under-19s
• India A
• India Seniors
• Jharkhand
• Rest of India
• Rising Pune Supergiants

About MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, or “Captain Cool” as his legions of fans adore him, isn’t just a name in Indian cricket; he’s a cultural phenomenon. This enigmatic wicket-keeper batsman clawed his way to the top not from the hallowed grounds of elite academies, but from the dusty plains of Jharkhand, a cricketing backwater in eastern India. His rise is a testament to raw talent, unwavering grit, and an unorthodox style that challenged convention and redefined cricketing excellence.

Dhoni’s journey wasn’t paved with silver spoons. Hailing from a humble background, he juggled his love for cricket with the daily realities of a working class family. But talent couldn’t be contained by circumstance. His unorthodox batting, a potent blend of unorthodox grip and audacious power, caught the eye of coach Keshav Banerjee, who became his guiding light.

By 23, Dhoni’s swaggering talent had already exploded onto the scene. He effortlessly blasted centuries in a triangular tournament, his long hair and fearless demeanour captivated the crowds. Soon, he stormed into international cricket, his unorthodox yet effective style drawing both scepticism and awe. Undeterred, MS Dhoni honed his game, becoming a multifaceted maestro in the ODI arena. He could accumulate runs with meticulous precision, rebuild shattered innings with calm resolve, and unleash breathtaking sixes that sent audiences into raptures.

His leadership mirrored his batting – a potent cocktail of calculated conservatism and audacious gambles. Under his captaincy, India scaled unimaginable heights. From the pinnacle of the Test rankings to the euphoric embrace of the 2011 World Cup victory, Dhoni led his team to conquer every format of the game. His unorthodox tactics, often baffling the pundits, became his signature, earning him the grudging respect of opponents and the unwavering adoration of fans.

MS Dhoni is more than a cricketer; he’s an icon. His story transcends the boundaries of sport, inspiring millions with his journey from small-town boy to global sporting legend. He proved that unorthodoxy can be genius, that unwavering belief can rewrite history, and that a ticket examiner’s son can become the king of cricket. This is not just the story of MS Dhoni; it’s the story of defying expectations, embracing individuality, and leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of cricketing history.

MS Dhoni Career Highlights

• 2004: International debut in ODIs, showcasing aggressive bDecember atting.
• October 2005: Record-breaking 183* in ODIs, establishes himself as a force.
• December 2005: Test debut against Sri Lanka, marking versatility.
• September 2007: Takes over T20I captaincy, leading India to inaugural T20 World Cup victory.
• August 2008: First bilateral ODI series win in Sri Lanka as a captain.
• November 2008: Becomes full-time Test captain, ushering in a successful era.
• December 2008 & 2009: Wins ICC ODI Player of the Year awards (first player to win twice).
• December 2009: Takes India to the top of Test rankings for the first time.
• March 2009 & 2011: Bilateral ODI series wins in New Zealand and England.
• April 2011: ODI World Cup-winning knock of 91* against Sri Lanka in the final.
• November 2011: Conferred honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by Indian Territorial Army.
• February & March 2013: Scores maiden Test double hundred and leads India to a 4-0 Test series win over Australia at home.
• June 2013: Leads India to Champions Trophy title and becomes the first captain to win all three ICC trophies (T20 WC, ODI WC, CT).
• April 2018: Awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour.
• August 2020: Retires from International cricket. 

MS Dhoni Awards 

National Honors:

• 2018: Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, recognizing his exceptional contribution to cricket.
• 2009: Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, acknowledging his rising sporting achievements.
• 2007-08: Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, crowning him the pinnacle of athletic excellence.

Sporting Honors:

• ICC ODI Player of the Year: Twice crowned (2008, 2009) as the most exceptional ODI player worldwide.
• ICC World ODI XI: Eight consecutive selections (2006-2013) highlighting his consistent brilliance in ODI cricket.
• Castrol Indian Cricketer of the Year: Recognized in 2011 as the premier Indian cricketer of the year.
• ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Decade: Named captain and wicketkeeper for the 2011-2020 decade, a testament to his enduring legacy.
• ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Decade: Captained and kept wickets for the 2011-2020 decade, solidifying his dominance in the T20 format.
• ICC Spirit of the Cricket Award of the Decade: Honored in 2011-2020 for embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.

Career 

Domestic career

Long before his iconic helicopter shot stunned international crowds, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was polishing his game on the humble pitches of Indian domestic cricket. His journey began with Commando cricket club, where he honed his wicket-keeping skills and batting potential. At Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL), he impressed by helping the team climb the ranks, showcasing his aggressive batting higher up the order.

Dhoni’s talent continued to bloom in age-group cricket. From winning the Cooch Behar Trophy finals with the Bihar U-19 team to scoring his maiden first-class century in the Ranji Trophy, he steadily carved his path upwards. His hard-hitting style and ability to contribute in the lower order caught the eye of selectors, earning him recognition in regional tournaments.

The turning point came in 2003-2004. A century in the Ranji ODI tournament and a key role in East Zone’s Deodhar Trophy win cemented his reputation. His fighting half-century in the Duleep Trophy finals despite the loss further showcased his grit and determination. Finally, his impressive wicket-keeping and back-to-back centuries for India A during tours of Zimbabwe and Kenya sealed his fate.

IPL Career 

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a story woven with gold and etched in history. Right from the inaugural season, his impact was undeniable. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the team that snatched him for a record-breaking $1.5 million, quickly became his second home. His aggressive batting, scoring 414 runs, propelled CSK to the finals in the very first season.

But Dhoni’s leadership truly set him apart. Under his captaincy, CSK became a force to be reckoned with. They bagged their first IPL title in 2010, followed by a consecutive Champions League Twenty20 victory, showcasing their dominance. This golden run continued, with Dhoni leading CSK to another IPL title in 2011 and a second Champions League crown in 2014. He amassed a staggering 2987 runs over eight seasons, solidifying his position as the Super King’s reigning star.

However, a two-year suspension for CSK temporarily changed the game. Dhoni found himself captaining the newly formed Rising Pune Supergiants. While his leadership prowess remained unwavering, the two seasons with Supergiants saw him score 574 runs, a testament to his consistent but shifting fortunes.

The homecoming to CSK in 2018 was as triumphant as it was emotional. Dhoni rediscovered his golden touch, scoring 455 runs and leading CSK to a glorious third IPL title. This victory was followed by another in 2021, further cementing CSK’s legacy and Dhoni’s position as their talisman.

2022 was a year of twists and turns. Initially stepping down as captain, Dhoni found himself back at the helm midway through the season after Ravindra Jadeja relinquished the leadership. Under his guidance, CSK soared to yet another IPL victory in 2023, making them the most successful franchise with five titles and ten final appearances.

Today, MS Dhoni stands tall as the embodiment of IPL royalty. He holds the record for most appearances in the tournament and became the first player to play 200 T20 matches for CSK. His journey with the IPL is a testament to his unwavering leadership, exceptional batting prowess, and the unbreakable bond he shares with his ‘Men in Yellow’. He is, and will always be, the undisputed King of the IPL.

International career

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, once a young man punching train tickets with dreams in his eyes, rose to become India’s cricketing royalty, a captain who steered his team to the pinnacle of the sport. Under his enigmatic leadership, India conquered the cricketing world, lifting the coveted ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

Dhoni’s journey from raw talent to global icon is a saga of transformation. He started as a fearsome hitter, sending bowlers scurrying for cover with his audacious strokes. But time honed his game, transforming him into a calculated finisher, reading situations with the wisdom of an old hand and guiding India to victory with his trademark cool head and controlled aggression.

His contributions with the willow paint a dazzling picture. Across formats, MS Dhoni stands as India’s fifth-highest run-scorer, amassing a staggering 17,266 runs. His bat spoke in all tongues, carving 16 centuries and 108 half-centuries, with a career-best of 224. His strike rate, a blistering 79, is a testament to his power and precision.

But Dhoni’s legacy transcends mere runs. He etched his name in history as the captain who led the most matches in cricket history, a staggering 332. Under his command, India marched to 178 victories, leaving a trail of 120 defeats in their wake. His win percentage of 53.61 stands as a testament to his astute leadership and tactical brilliance.

His skills behind the stumps were equally awe-inspiring. With 829 dismissals, he stands third in the all-time list, falling just short of cricketing giants like Adam Gilchrist and Mark Boucher. His 634 catches and 195 stumpings, the highest ever recorded, paint a picture of agility and lightning-fast reflexes.

MS Dhoni’s India career is not just about statistics; it’s about defying expectations, about a small-town boy who took the cricketing world by storm. He is a cricketing enigma, a leader who led from the front with unwavering calm, a finisher who brought home victory from the jaws of defeat. He is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a cricketing legend, and his journey is an inspiration for generations to come.

Test Career 

While predominantly known for his white-ball dominance, MS Dhoni’s mark on Test cricket is equally noteworthy. Across 90 matches, he accumulated 4,876 runs, averaging a commendable 38.09. His six centuries and 33 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 224, showcase his talent for crafting significant scores on the red-ball stage. This places him comfortably at 14th on the list of India’s highest run-scorers in the format.

But Dhoni’s impact transcends mere runs. As captain, he steered India in 60 Test matches, leading them to victory in 27 and witnessing just 18 defeats. His captaincy win percentage of 45.00 places him among India’s most successful Test skippers across generations. Under his leadership, India scaled the summit of the ICC Test rankings, a testament to his strategic acumen and ability to galvanize his team.

Dhoni’s tactical brilliance shines even brighter when we consider his record against Australia, arguably India’s fiercest rivals. He holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian captain to whitewash Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, achieving this feat not once but twice – in the 2010-11 and 2012-13 series. These historic victories remain etched in Indian cricketing folklore, forever associated with Dhoni’s calm leadership and unwavering belief in his team.

Thus, while his Test career may not boast the explosive flamboyance of his limited-overs exploits, MS Dhoni’s contribution to the Indian Test team remains significant. He stands as a pillar of consistency, a captain who led by example, and a tactician who masterminded historic victories.

ODI Career 

One Day Internationals were MS Dhoni’s playground. In 350 matches, he wasn’t just a batter, he was a force of nature, amassing a staggering 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about consistency, about wielding the willow with the nonchalance of a seasoned maestro. Ten centuries and 73 half-centuries, with an unbeaten 183* as his crown jewel, stand as testaments to his unyielding brilliance.

He may not have worn the “highest scorer” crown (Sachin Tendulkar reigned supreme at 18,426 runs), but Dhoni sat comfortably at fifth all-time among Indian ODI batters and eleventh globally. Yet, the true marvel lies in how he achieved this magic – batting lower down the order, often facing the tail-enders’ pressure. He wasn’t just a top-scorer, he was a finisher, a miracle worker who conjured victories from the jaws of defeat.

Leadership? His captaincy record in ODIs echoes a similar thunderous applause. In 200 matches at the helm, he led India to 110 victories, a win percentage that speaks volumes about his tactical acumen and inspiring presence. Even when the tide turned, his 74 losses were accompanied by five ties and 11 no-results, showcasing a steely resolve in the face of adversity.

Dhoni’s power was not just statistical; it was visceral. His penchant for sending the ball soaring into the stands earned him a place among the all-time greats of six-hitting. With 229 sixes, he stood tall as the fifth-highest globally and India’s second, just behind Rohit Sharma. And to add another feather to his cap, he reached the 10,000-run mark in ODIs quicker than most, achieving it in a mere 273 innings, the sixth-fastest in history.

MS Dhoni’s ODI legacy is an epic poem etched in runs, records, and raw power.

T20 International Career 

MS Dhoni, the beloved ‘Mahi’ to his adoring fans, weaved his magic in the fast-paced world of T20Is. Across 98 matches, he carved out 1,617 runs, his willow striking at a lightning-fast 126.13. While his highest score of 56 stood as a testament to his power hitting, his average of 37.60 revealed a master’s touch, calmly guiding the innings and finding quick boundaries even amidst the frenetic energy of the format.

But Dhoni’s impact went beyond mere runs. As the captain in 72 T20Is, he orchestrated victories in 41 matches, his strategic mind leading the charge. Though defeats came in 28 instances, his win percentage of 56.94 stood as a beacon of his leadership prowess. His ability to read the game, rally his troops, and make game-changing decisions under pressure proved his worth as a captain who thrived in the T20 cauldron.

So, while his T20 career might not boast the same mountain of runs as his other formats, Dhoni’s contribution remains invaluable. He was the ‘finisher’ in a different avatar, the cool head amidst the heat of the moment, the captain who transformed chaos into calculated brilliance.

Additional info

Love for Automobiles:

MS Dhoni is known for his love for bikes and cars. He holds a collection of vintage, lluxury motorcycles and cars.

MS Dhoni boasts an impressive collection of cars and motorcycles in India, showcasing his passion for these exquisite machines. His garage is a treasure trove of exotic motorcycles, superbikes, and classic cars.

Dhoni’s fascination with motorcycles dates back to his early days. Following a cricket match windfall, he invested in a second-hand Yamaha RX100. This initial purchase marked the beginning of his love affair with motorcycles, leading to a gradual expansion of his collection. Over time, the number of motorcycles in his possession has surpassed the impressive mark of 100. Among the standout bikes in his collection are renowned models like the Kawasaki Ninja H2, Confederate Hellcat, BSA, Ninja ZX-14R, Harley-Davidson Fatboy, Ducati 1098, Yamaha RD350, and a vintage Norton bike.

Not to be outdone, Dhoni’s car collection is equally distinctive, featuring timeless classics. His garage proudly houses vehicles like the robust Hummer H2, the sturdy GMC Sierra, the first-generation Mitsubishi Pajero, and a specially crafted open 2-door Scorpio, adding a touch of uniqueness to his four-wheeled treasures. Together, MS Dhoni’s collection stands as a testament to his appreciation for the finer things on wheels.

Controversies

MS Dhoni, despite his illustrious cricket career, has not been immune to controversies that have garnered public attention. In 2007, during a severe water crisis in his locality, 40 residents took legal action against the Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA). The complaint alleged that 15,000 liters of water were being daily used for the maintenance of M.S. Dhoni’s swimming pool, sparking concerns about water wastage.

Another controversy emerged around Dhoni’s Hummer H2, raising eyebrows over a potential tax evasion issue. The vehicle, requiring a registration charge of ₹4 lakhs in India, was mistakenly registered as a Mahindra Scorpio, which comes with a registration charge of ₹53,000.

The 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal also entangled Dhoni in controversy. He was under radar of Supreme Court regarding his connections with Gurunath Meiyappan, implicated in the betting charge sheet. Dhoni referred Meiyappan as a “mere cricket enthusiast,” despite Meiyappan’s significant role as a team owner.

In 2016, Dhoni stepped down as the brand ambassador of the Amrapali real estate group following a social media campaign by residents facing logistical issues in one of the Amrapali units.

Adding to the list, in November 2022, Dhoni took legal action by filing a contempt petition at the Madras High Court against IPS officer G Sampath Kumar. The petition stemmed from Kumar’s remarks made during his investigation into the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing and betting scandal of 2013.

MS Dhoni Family

MS Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, was born to Pan Singh and Devaki Devi. His father, Pan Singh, worked for MECON, a public sector undertaking, and his mother, Devaki Devi, was a homemaker. Dhoni has a sister named Jayanti Gupta and a brother named Narendra Singh Dhoni. His family has been a significant source of support throughout his cricketing journey.

Beyond the roar of the crowds and the adrenaline rush of the pitch, MS Dhoni finds sanctuary in the warmth of family. 

In 2010, on a vibrant July day in Dehradun, he embarked on a new chapter, exchanging vows with Sakshi Singh Rawat. Together, they built a loving haven, blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Ziva Singh Dhoni, who lights up their lives.

Dhoni’s retreat lies amidst the serene landscapes of Ranchi, where his sprawling farmhouse offers a tranquil escape from the public eye.