MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an Indian professional cricketer, widely recognized as one of the sport’s most successful wicket-keeper batsmen and captains, known for his leadership in India’s victories in multiple ICC tournaments. After leading India to victory in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, Ms Dhoni cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s most decorated captains and wicket-keeper batsmen. He made his ODI debut for the Indian cricket team on December 23, 2004, against Bangladesh. His early international career featured exceptional performances, including a then-record 148 runs against Pakistan in 2005, followed by an unbeaten 183 runs against Sri Lanka later that year, which earned him Man of the Series and set a new record for an Indian wicket-keeper in men’s ODIs.

As a prolific wicket-keeper, Dhoni amassed 634 catches and a record 195 stumpings, surpassing 400 dismissals in ODIs by 2018. He formally announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2014 and from all international cricket on August 15, 2020. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni has been a foundational figure, primarily leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He captained CSK to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023) and two Champions League T20 titles (2010 and 2014), establishing CSK as one of the league’s most successful franchises under his leadership.

In tribute to his legacy, the South stand of the JSCA stadium was named after him in 2019, and the MCA dedicated specific seats (J282–J286) at Wankhede Stadium in 2023. Dhoni holds numerous career records, including most matches as captain (332), most dismissals as a wicket-keeper (829), and most stumpings (195), cementing his status as a global cricketing icon.