Hubbry Logo
MS DhoniMS DhoniMain
Open search
MS Dhoni
Community hub
MS Dhoni
logo
25 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Mahendra Singh Dhoni ([məˈɦeːnd̪ɾə ˈsɪŋɡʱ ˈd̪ʱoːniː] ⓘ; born 7 July 1981) is an Indian professional cricketer who plays as a right-handed batter and a wicket-keeper. Widely regarded as one of the most prolific wicket-keeper batsmen and captains, he represented the Indian cricket team and was the captain of the side in limited overs formats from 2007 to 2017 and in test cricket from 2008 to 2014. Dhoni has captained the most international matches and is the most successful Indian captain. He has led India to victory in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, being the only captain to win three different limited overs ICC tournaments. He also led the teams that won the Asia Cup in 2010 and 2016, and he was a member of the title winning squad in 2018.

Key Information

Born in Ranchi, Dhoni made his first class debut for Bihar in 1999. He made his debut for the Indian cricket team on 23 December 2004 in an ODI against Bangladesh and played his first test a year later against Sri Lanka. In 2007, he became the captain of the ODI side before taking over in all formats by 2008. Dhoni retired from test cricket in 2014 but continued playing in limited overs cricket till 2019. He has scored 17,266 runs in international cricket including 10,000 plus runs at an average of more than 50 in ODIs.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), leading them to the final on ten occasions and winning it five times (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023) jointly sharing this title with Rohit Sharma . He has also led CSK to two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014. Dhoni is among the few batsmen to have scored more than five thousand runs in the IPL, as well as being the first wicket-keeper to do so.

In 2008, Dhoni was awarded India's highest sport honour Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by Government of India. He received the fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri in 2009 and third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan in 2018. Dhoni holds an honorary rank of Lieutenant colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Territorial Army which was presented to him by the Indian Army in 2011. In June 2025, he was inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Early life

[edit]

Dhoni was born on 7 July 1981 in Ranchi, Bihar (now in Jharkhand) in a Hindu Rajput family to Pan Singh and Devaki Devi.[2][3] His parents hailed from Lwali village in Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand) and he was the youngest of three children.[4][5][6] His family spells the surname as "Dhauni".[7] The spelling "Dhoni" emerged due to a spelling mistake in his school certificates and, despite repeated attempts by his family, has never been rectified.[8]

Dhoni did his schooling from DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, where he started playing football as a goalkeeper, but later moved to play cricket on the suggestion of his coach Keshav Banerjee.[9][10] From 2001 to 2003, Dhoni worked as a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Kharagpur under South Eastern Railway zone of Indian Railways.[11][12]

Youth career

[edit]

He played as a wicket-keeper for Commando cricket club from 1995 to 1998 and Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL) team in 1998.[13] At CCL, he batted higher up the order and helped the team qualify to the higher division.[14] Based on his performance at club cricket, he was picked for the 1997/98 season of Vinoo Mankad Trophy under-16 championship.[15][16] In the 1998–99, Dhoni played for Bihar U-19 team in the Cooch Behar Trophy and scored 176 runs in 5 matches. In the 1999–2000 Cooch Behar Trophy, the Bihar U-19 cricket team made it to the finals, where Dhoni made 84 in a losing cause.[17] Dhoni's contribution in the tournament included 488 runs in nine matches with five fifties, 17 catches and seven stumpings.[18] Dhoni made it to the East Zone U-19 squad for the C. K. Nayudu Trophy in the 1999–2000 season and scored only 97 runs in four matches, as East Zone lost all the matches and finished last in the tournament.[19][20]

Dhoni made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar against Assam in the 1999–2000 season, as an eighteen-year-old scoring 68 runs in the second innings.[21] Dhoni finished the season with 283 runs in 5 matches. Dhoni scored his maiden first-class century while playing for Bihar against Bengal in the 2000–01 Ranji Trophy season.[22] Apart from this century, his performance in the 2000/01 season did not include another score over fifty and in the 2001–02 Ranji Trophy season, he scored just five fifties in four Ranji matches.[23][24] Dhoni played for Jharkhand in the 2002–03 Ranji Trophy and represented East Zone in the Deodhar Trophy where he started gaining recognition for his lower-order contribution as well as hard-hitting batting style. In the 2003/04 season, Dhoni scored a century (128*) against Assam in the first match of the Ranji ODI tournament and was part of the East Zone squad that won the Deodhar Trophy, scoring 244 runs in four matches.[25][26]

In the Duleep Trophy finals, Dhoni represented East Zone and scored a fighting half-century in the second innings in a losing cause.[27] Dhoni was identified as one of the emerging talents via the BCCI's small-town talent-spotting initiative TRDW.[28][29] In 2004, Dhoni was picked for the India A squad for a tour of Zimbabwe and Kenya.[30] Against the Zimbabwe XI in Harare Sports Club, Dhoni contributed seven catches and four stumpings.[31] In the tri-nation tournament involving Kenya, India A and Pakistan A, Dhoni helped India A chase down their target of 223 against Pakistan A with a half-century and scored 362 runs in six innings at an average of 72.40 with back to back centuries.[32][33][34]

International career

[edit]

Debut and early years

[edit]

The Indian ODI team in the early 2000s saw Rahul Dravid as the wicket-keeper to ensure that the wicket-keeper spot didn't lack in batting talent and also tried other wicket-keeper/batsmen like Parthiv Patel and Dinesh Karthik.[35] With Dhoni performing well for the India A squad, he was picked in the ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour in December 2004.[36] Dhoni made his debut in the first match of the series and was run out for a duck.[37] Dhoni was picked for the subsequent ODI series against Pakistan.[38] In the second match of the series in Visakhapatnam, Dhoni playing in his fifth one-day international, scored 148 runs off 123 deliveries which surpassed the earlier record for the highest score by an Indian wicket-keeper.[39] Dhoni played in the Sri Lankan bilateral ODI series in October–November 2005 and was promoted to No. 3 in the batting order in the third ODI at Jaipur where he scored an unbeaten 183 runs off 145 balls, winning the game for India.[40] The innings would surpass his earlier record for the highest score by an Indian wicket-keeper and was described in Wisden Almanack as 'Uninhibited, yet anything but crude'.[41] It was also the highest individual score in ODI cricket in a run chase, a record which was broken seven years later by Shane Watson.[42][43] Dhoni ended the series with the highest aggregate of 346 runs and was awarded the Man of the series.[44]

Dhoni keeping wickets in a test match

Dhoni became a regular in the Indian side after the home series against South Africa in November 2005.[45] In December 2005, Dhoni was awarded a "B" grade contract by the BCCI.[46] Dhoni made his test debut in the same month against Sri Lanka during their tour of India at Chennai.[47][48] Dhoni scored 30 runs in his debut match, that was marred by rain and ended in a draw.[49] Dhoni made his maiden half-century in the second test leading to an Indian win.[50] Dhoni played all the matches in the subsequent tour of Pakistan scoring 219 runs in five ODI matches and 179 runs in five tests including his maiden test century in the second test in Faisalabad.[51] He scored 106 runs across three tests in the home series against England in March 2006 and 177 runs in five ODI series that followed.[51][45] Dhoni dropped multiple catches and missed dismissal chances including a key stumping opportunity of Andrew Flintoff which led to criticism of his wicket-keeping.[52]

In the DLF Cup 2006-07, Dhoni scored 43 runs as the team lost twice in three games and did not qualify for the finals. In the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, India lost to West Indies and Australia, though Dhoni scored a half-century against West Indies and failed to make it to the knock out stage.[53] In the ODI series in South Africa in November 2006, Dhoni scored 139 runs in four matches in the series loss.[45] In the test series that followed, Dhoni scored 114 runs in two tests including a first test victory in South Africa in the first test, but was ruled out of the third test with injury.[54] Dhoni made his T20 international debut in December 2006 against South Africa at Johannesburg.[55] Dhoni was subsequently named in the ODI team of the year by the ICC for 2006.[56]

2007 World T20 and captaincy

[edit]

India recorded identical 3–1 victory over West Indies and Sri Lanka in early 2007 with Dhoni averaging more than 100 in both the series. Subsequently, Dhoni was part of the squad for the 2007 Cricket World Cup in which India unexpectedly crashed out in the group stage after losses to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with Dhoni scoring ducks in both these matches and just 29 runs in the tournament.[45][57] As a result, Dhoni's house in Ranchi was vandalised and damaged by activists of JMM and security was tightened for his family.[58] Dhoni scored 91* against Bangladesh in the first match of the ODI series in May 2007 which got him the Man of the Match award while also later winning the Man of the Series award after the third game of the series was washed away.[59] Dhoni played for ACC Asia XI cricket team in the Afro-Asia Cup, scoring 174 runs in three matches at an average of 87 including 139 off 97 balls in the third ODI.[60]

Dhoni was named vice-captain of the ODI team for the 2007 Future Cup against South Africa in Ireland and the subsequent seven-match series against England.[61] Dhoni was awarded an 'A' grade contract by BCCI in June 2007.[62] Dhoni was appointed as the captain of the Indian squad for the inaugural World Twenty20 in September 2007.[63] Dhoni led India to victory in the tournament after defeating Pakistan in the final.[64][65] Dhoni was later appointed as the captain of the Indian cricket team in all formats.[66]

On 2 September 2007, Dhoni equalled Adam Gilchrist's international record for the most dismissals in an innings in ODI by effecting six dismissals against England.[67] Dhoni took his first and only wicket in international cricket on 30 September 2009 when he bowled Travis Dowlin of West Indies in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy.[68] However, he scored just three runs in the only match he batted with India crashing out of the series in the group stage after the match against Australia was washed out.[69] Dhoni averaged more than 60 in the 2008-09 season.[70] Dhoni scored two centuries during Sri Lanka's tour of India in November 2009 which India won to achieve the top ranking in ICC test ranking for the first time in its history.[71] Dhoni had an excellent year in ODIs in 2009, scoring 1198 runs in just 24 innings, at an average of 70.43 and topped the ICC ODI batsman rankings for several months.[72] He was named as the captain and wicket-keeper of the ICC ODI Team of the year.[73]

2011 World Cup win and later

[edit]
Wicket-keeping kit and bat used by Dhoni during the 2011 Cricket World Cup on display at the Blades of Glory Cricket Museum

Dhoni led the Indian squad for the 2011 Cricket World Cup co-hosted by India.[74] India won its second ever ODI world cup after defeating Sri Lanka in the final with Dhoni being named man of the match for scoring an unbeaten 91.[75] In December 2012, Pakistan toured India for a bilateral series for the first time in five years and Dhoni top-scored in all the three matches of the series with a century in the first ODI at Chennai.[76] Dhoni led India to victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and became the first and the only captain in international cricket to claim all ICC limited overs trophies. In the rain-shortened final against England, India won by five runs on DLS method though Dhoni himself was out for a duck.[77] He was also named as captain and wicketkeeper of the 'Team of the Tournament' by the ICC.[78]

Dhoni batting against South Africa during a group stage match of 2013 ICC Champions Trophy

After the Champions Trophy, India toured West Indies for a tri-nation tournament against the hosts and Sri Lanka.[79] Dhoni got injured at the start of the tournament thus ruling him out for most of the tournament. He returned to play the final where he was adjudged Man of the match for scoring 45 runs off 52 balls including 16 runs in the final over to take India to victory by one wicket.[80] In November 2013, Dhoni became the second India batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to aggregate more than thousand runs in ODIs against Australia.[81] India toured South Africa and New Zealand in the 2013–14 season. Though Dhoni scored 84 runs at an average of 48 including one half-century against South Africa and 272 runs with three consecutive 50-plus scores against New Zealand, India lost both the series.[45] Dhoni himself reached 8000 runs in ODI in the series against New Zealand.[82] Dhoni led India in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 where India finished as runners-up after losing to Sri Lanka in the final.[83] He was named as captain and wicket-keeper of the 'Team of the Tournament' by the ICC.[84]

India won the away ODI series in England in 2014 and series against West Indies in India where Dhoni scored 146 runs across the five innings he batted.[85][45]

Test retirement and 2015 World cup

[edit]

Dhoni played his last series during India's tour of Australia in December 2014. Following the third Test in Melbourne, Dhoni announced his retirement from the format.[86] In his last test, he effected nine dismissals (eight catches and a stumping), and in the process, went past Kumar Sangakkara's record for most stumpings in international cricket and also set a record for effecting the most dismissals in a match by an Indian wicketkeeper until it was broken by Wriddhiman Saha in 2018.[87][88] In the Carlton Mid triangular series in Australia, India failed to win a single match with Dhoni himself managing just 70 runs from three innings at an average of 23.34.[89]

During the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Dhoni became the first Indian captain to win all group stage matches in a world cup.[90] In the match against Zimbabwe at Auckland, he made 85 which was the highest score by an Indian captain in New Zealand. After beating Bangladesh in the quarter finals, he became the third overall and the first non-Australian captain to win 100 ODI matches.[91] India lost to eventual champions Australia in the semi-finals with Dhoni having a good series, scoring 237 runs in six innings at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 102.15, and thus, becoming the second Indian captain to have an average over 50 and strike rate over 100 in a particular season of the World Cup.[92][93]

Final years and retirement

[edit]

Dhoni led India to victory in the 2016 Asia Cup, where India remained unbeaten.[94] Dhoni stepped down as the captain of India in January 2017, ahead of the ODI series at home against England.[95] In the second game of the series, he scored 134 off 122 balls, his tenth century in ODIs and his first in over three years.[96] He was named as a wicket-keeper of the 'Team of the Tournament' at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in which India finished as runners-up.[97][98] In August 2017, during the fifth and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, he became the first wicket-keeper to effect 100 stumpings in ODIs when he stumped Akila Dananjaya off Yuzvendra Chahal.[99] He reached the milestone of effecting 400 dismissals in ODIs in February 2018, following the stumping of Aiden Markram in the third ODI of the South Africa tour.[100]

Though, he had a relatively mediocre series scoring 79 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 63.20 during India's 2018 tour of England, he went past 10,000 ODI runs, becoming the fourth Indian and twelfth overall to do so.[101][102][103] In the 2018 Asia Cup title winning campaign, he scored just 77 runs in four innings at an average of 19.25.[104][105] While captaining in the group stage match against Afghanistan due to regular captain Rohit Sharma being unavailable, Dhoni became the first cricketer to lead India 200 times in ODIs.[106] Dhoni aggregated 50 runs from three innings in the home series against West Indies.[107][108] In the series, he effected the fastest stumping in the history of cricket, clocked at 0.08 seconds, when dismissing Keemo Paul.[109][110]

Dhoni was not selected for the T20I squad for the series that followed and the Australia tour later that season.[111] However, he was included in the squad for the ODI series in Australia.[112] In the three-match series, Dhoni scored half-centuries in all three games with the latter two resulting in wins, helping India secure a 2–1 series victory, their first in a bilateral series on Australian soil and was named player of the series while also becoming the fourth Indian to score more than 1,000 ODI runs in Australia.[113] In April 2019, he was named in India's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.[114][115] On 9 July 2019, Dhoni played in his 350th and final ODI in the semi-final loss against New Zealand.[116] On 15 August 2020, Dhoni formally announced his retirement from international cricket.[117]

Post-international retirement

[edit]

On 8 September 2021, Dhoni was appointed as the mentor of the Indian team for the 2021 T20 World Cup.[118][119][120]

Domestic career

[edit]

Dhoni played for Bihar state cricket team since 1999 before representing Jharkhand later. He has also played for Rajasthan Cricket Association President's XI, East zone and Rest of India in domestic cricket.[121] In BCCI Corporate trophy, he played for Air India until his resignation from the company in 2013.[122] In February 2005, Dhoni played for India seniors in Challenger trophy, where he scored 102 against India B.[123] Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) appointed him captain of the Jharkhand team in February 2017 for the 2017-18 Vijay Hazare trophy and on 25 February 2017, he scored his first ever domestic list-A century against Chhattisgarh and led the team to the quarter final where Jharkhand lost against Delhi.[124][125]

Franchise career

[edit]
Chennai Super Kings
T20 Cricket
Indian Premier League
Winner 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023
Runner-up 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019
Champions League
Winner 2010, 2014
Rising Pune Supergiants
T20 Cricket
Indian Premier League
Runner-up 2017
Dhoni with Chennai Super Kings in 2011

Dhoni was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for US$1.5 million during the auction for the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was the most expensive signing in the auction.[126] Dhoni scored 414 runs to lead CSK to the finals in the first season of IPL.[127] Under his captaincy, CSK won the 2010 edition and qualified for Champions League Twenty20.[128] Chennai won the 2010 Champions league.[129] Dhoni scored 392 runs and led CSK to its second consecutive IPL title in 2011.[130] Dhoni led CSK to its second Champions League Twenty20 title in 2014.[131] Dhoni scored 2987 runs from 129 matches in the IPL across the first eight seasons for the Super Kings.[127]

Following the two-year suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, two new franchises Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions were established for the 2016 Indian Premier League season. Supergiants picked Dhoni as one of their five draft picks on 15 December 2015 for ₹125 million (US$1.5 million).[132] He scored 574 runs in 30 matches across two seasons for the Supergiants.[127]

Dhoni returned to CSK for the 2018 season.[133] He scored 455 runs and led his team to its third IPL title.[134] Dhoni led CSK to the title again in 2021 and was retained for ₹12 crore (US$1.4 million) before the auction for the 2022 season.[135] Dhoni stepped down from captaincy ahead of that season and Ravindra Jadeja was appointed the new captain.[136][137] However, a month later, Jadeja handed over the captaincy back to Dhoni in the middle of the season.[138] Dhoni led the franchise to victory again the following season.[130] Under his captaincy, CSK became the most successful IPL franchise with five title wins and ten final appearances.[139] Dhoni became the first player to play 200 T20 matches for CSK and holds the record for most appearances in the IPL.[140] Ahead of the 2024 season, Dhoni handed over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.[141] He marked his 250th appearance for CSK in that season, in a league stage match against Mumbai Indians on 14 April 2024, helping his team secure a 20-run win, following his unbeaten four-ball 20.[142]

Outside cricket

[edit]
Chief of Army Staff General V. K. Singh bestowing the honorary rank of Lieutenant colonel to Dhoni

Dhoni holds an honorary rank of Lieutenant colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Territorial Army (106 Para TA battalion).[143] The honorary rank was presented to him by the Indian Army in 2011 for his service to the nation as a cricketer.[144] After completing five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircraft in the Agra training camp, he became a qualified paratrooper in 2015.[145] In August 2019, he completed a two-week stint with the Territorial Army in Jammu and Kashmir.[146] While spending a day with the parachute regiment in Ranchi, Dhoni said that he wanted to become a soldier and not a cricketer, "Since childhood I wanted to join the Army. Seeing the soldiers, I thought that one day I'll be the same".[147]

Dhoni holds the post of vice-president in India Cements Ltd, the company owned by former BCCI president N. Srinivasan.[148][149] Dhoni is a co-owner of Chennai-based football club Chennaiyin FC, a franchise of the Indian Super League.[150] He also co-owns Ranchi-based hockey club Ranchi Rays, a franchise of the Hockey India League.[151] In February 2016, Dhoni launched lifestyle brand SEVEN which he co-owns while also serving as its brand ambassador.[152] In 2019, Dhoni invested in vehicle re-seller CARS24 and simultaneously became brand ambassador of the company.[153] On 11 October 2022, Dhoni invested in Shaka Harry, a plant-based protein company.[154][155]

The No.7 jersey of the Indian cricket team made popular by Dhoni

In 2019, Dhoni Entertainment entered into a long-term business agreement with Banijay Asia to produce content across various genres.[156] The first show developed by the company was a documentary web series titled Roar of The Lion for Disney+ Hotstar in 2019 which dealt with the ban of Chennai Super Kings from the Indian Premier League in 2016 and their return to win the title in 2018.[157] The production house produced a Tamil language romantic drama LGM which was released on 28 July 2023.[158][159][160] Dhoni performed a special cameo appearance in Vijay's film G.O.A.T that was released on 5 September 2024.[161]

Dhoni is one of the most popular cricketers in the world.[162] As of 2022, Dhoni has more than 75 million followers on social media platforms and his brand value was projected to be $80.3 million by Duff and Phelps.[163] Dhoni's popularity is often compared to Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run scorer in international cricket.[164][165] The No.7 jersey was made popular by Dhoni and was retired by the BCCI in 2023 as a honour to him.[166] Dhoni has developed a special connection with the city of Chennai whose IPL franchise he represents and the fans often call him 'Thala' meaning leader in Tamil.[167][168]

Playing style

[edit]
Dhoni in 2008

Dhoni is a right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper.[121] Dhoni is an unorthodox batsman who deviates from conventional coaching manuals to showcase his batting technique.[169] Dhoni displays a proclivity for hitting full-length deliveries towards the Long-on, Long-off, and Midwicket regions, rather than the conventional Cover region.[169] He plays pull shots and hook shots off short-pitched deliveries often putting pressure on the bowler to adjust their line and length accordingly. Dhoni holds the bat with a firm grip at the bottom of the handle, striking the ball with force and precision to clear the boundary.[170] He is a powerful hitter of the ball and is one of the fastest men in running between the wickets.[171] He plays the helicopter shot technique, taught to him by a fellow player and childhood friend Santosh Lal.[172][173] As a batsman, he is recognised for his finishing skills in high-pressure situations.[174]

As a wicket-keeper, he has been praised for his fast reflexes behind the stumps while also being criticised for the lack of good technique.[175][176] He is known for his unorthodox captaincy, approachability and has earned a reputation of being a successful leader.[177][178] Dhoni is also known for his cool-headed demeanor on the field which has earned him the monicker "Captain cool".[179]

Personal life

[edit]

Dhoni married Sakshi Singh Rawat on 4 July 2010 in Dehradun.[180][181] Dhoni and his wife have a daughter, Ziva Dhoni who was born on 6 February 2015.[182][183] He lives in his farmhouse outside Ranchi.[184] Dhoni is an automotive enthusiast and owns a number of bikes and cars in his collection.[185]

Career statistics

[edit]

Dhoni has scored 4876 runs in Test matches at an average of 38 and 10773 runs at an average of above 50 in ODIs. He has scored 16 centuries and 108 fifties in his international career.[121] Dhoni has one of the highest averages in ODI cricket.[186] He has scored more than 7400 runs across 390 T20 matches.[121] He has taken 634 catches and effected 195 stumpings in his international career, making him one of the most prolific wicket-keepers of all time.[187]

Dhoni's ODI record[188][189]
Venue Mat Runs Best Bat Avg. SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Catches Stumpings
Home 127 4,351 183* 53.71 91.60 7 25 350 116 99 48
Away 145 4,520 101* 50.78 83.98 1 37 324 73 126 46
Neutral 78 1,902 139* 44.23 87.60 2 11 152 40 96 29
Total 350 10,773 183* 50.57 87.56 10 73 826 229 321 123

Captaincy

[edit]

In 2007, Dhoni was appointed captain of the Indian team and served as the captain of all formats from 2008. He captained the Indian team in 332 matches including 200 ODIs and was one of the most prolific and successful captains of all time.[190][191]

Dhoni captaincy record[192]
Type Matches Won Lost Drawn Tied No result Win%
Test 60 27 18 15 – – 45%
ODI 200 110 74 – 5 11 55%
T20I 72 42 28 – – 2 58.33%
Total 332 179 120 15 5 13 53.91%

Records and achievements

[edit]
Tests
  • Most runs by an Indian wicket-keeper (4876)[193]
  • Most number of sixes by an Indian captain (51)[194]
  • Most dismissals by an Indian and fifth most by any wicket-keeper (294)[195]
ODIs
  • Most wins by an Indian captain and second most overall (110)[196]
  • Second most runs as captain (6641)[197]
  • Third most number of matches as captain (200)[190]
  • First player to pass 10,000 runs with an average of over 50[198]
  • Most not-outs (84)[199]
  • Highest score by a wicket-keeper (183*)[200]
  • Highest eighth wicket partnership for India (100* with Bhuvneshwar Kumar)[201]
  • Most dismissals in an innings (6) and career (432) by an Indian wicket-keeper[202]
  • Most stumpings by any wicket-keeper (123)[203][204]
T20Is
  • Second most matches as captain (72)[191]
  • Most T20I innings (76) and runs (1,153) before scoring a fifty[205][206]
  • Most stumpings as wicket-keeper (34)[207]
  • Most catches as wicket keeper in a T20I innings (5)[208]
Combined
  • Most international matches as captain (332)[209]
  • Most stumpings (195) and only wicket-keeper to make 150 stumpings[210][211]
  • Third most dismissals as a wicket-keeper (829)[187]
  • Sixth most sixes in career (359)[212]

Honours

[edit]

India

[edit]

Chennai Super Kings

[edit]

Individual

[edit]
Dhoni receiving the Padma Bhushan award from then President of India Ram Nath Kovind in April 2018[227]
Others

Dhoni was awarded an honorary doctorate by De Montfort University in 2011.[245][246] In 2019, Jharkhand Cricket Association named the JSCA stadium's south stand after Dhoni.[247] In 2023, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) decided to honour him by dedicating seats (J282–J286) at the Wankhede Stadium where he hit the winning shot in 2011 World Cup final.[248]

[edit]
  • A film based on Dhoni's life from his childhood to the 2011 world cup win, titled M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, with Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role was released on 29 September 2016.[249]
  • The Dhoni Touch: unravelling the enigma that is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a book by Bharat Sundaresan.[250]
  • Dhoni (2012), a Tamil feature film, directed and produced by Prakash Raj where the plot illustrates the conflicting interests of a father and his son with the father wanting his son to study MBA but his son wanting to become a cricketer like Dhoni.[251]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

MS Dhoni

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, born on 7 July 1981 in , , , is a former international renowned for his roles as a right-handed batsman, wicketkeeper, and captain of the Indian national team across all formats. He debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) on 23 December 2004 against and became a pivotal figure in Indian , amassing 17,266 runs and 829 dismissals in 538 international matches. Dhoni's leadership transformed India into a dominant force in white-ball , guiding the team to victories in the 2007 , the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 —the only captain to achieve all three major ICC limited-overs titles. In , he captained India to the number one ICC ranking in December 2009 and scored a highest of 224 against in 2013. Dhoni's international career, spanning from 2004 to 2019, included 90 Tests (4,876 runs), 350 ODIs (10,773 runs at an average of 50.58), and 98 T20Is (1,617 runs), where he set records such as the most ODI stumpings (123) and the highest score by a wicketkeeper-batter (183* off 145 balls in 2005). He retired from international cricket on 15 August 2020, following India's exit from the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, but remains active in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as of 2025. In the IPL, Dhoni has captained Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), scoring 5,439 runs in 278 matches with 205 dismissals and a strike rate of 137.45. Beyond statistics, Dhoni redefined the wicketkeeper-batter role, earning the nickname "Captain Cool" for his composure under pressure and tactical acumen, while also becoming one of India's most marketable sports figures. In June 2025, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary impact on the sport.

Early years

Early life

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was born on 7 July 1981 in , then part of state (now the capital of ), , into a modest middle-class Hindu family. His father, Pan Singh Dhoni, worked as a pump operator at MECON Limited, a engineering firm under the , while his mother, Devaki Devi, was a homemaker. The family resided in a simple two-room house in the MECON colony in Doranda, , reflecting their unassuming lifestyle amid the industrial backdrop of the region. Dhoni has an elder brother, Narendra Singh Dhoni, who later entered , and an elder sister, Jayanti Gupta, who became an English teacher and provided strong familial support during his formative years. From childhood, Dhoni displayed a natural aptitude for sports, initially gravitating toward football, where he excelled as a , and . His transition to began around age 10, inspired by watching local matches and encouraged by his school football coach, who recommended him to the cricket coach at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali, —K. R. . Banerjee spotted Dhoni's quick reflexes and suggested he try wicketkeeping, marking the start of his cricketing journey. Dhoni attended this for his education, achieving 66% in high school and 56% in his intermediate examinations, while actively participating in sports to balance his studies. Dhoni's early exposure to cricket involved informal games with a on school grounds and neighborhood fields in , which helped develop his aggressive batting style and sharp wicketkeeping skills. By his early teens, around age 13, he joined local clubs in , such as the school team and community outfits, where he honed his abilities under basic coaching amid limited resources. After completing intermediate, Dhoni briefly enrolled in a program at , but dropped out to dedicate himself fully to , securing a job as a ticket examiner with to support his aspirations. This period laid the groundwork for his disciplined approach, blending family encouragement with personal determination in a resource-scarce environment.

Youth career

Dhoni joined the youth team at the age of 17 in 1998, training under coach Chanchal Bhattacharya, who spotted his potential early and guided his development as a wicketkeeper-batsman. From 1998 to 2000, Dhoni competed in 's under-16 and under-19 tournaments, displaying aggressive batting and reliable glovework. He scored 176 runs in five matches during the 1998-99 Trophy (under-19 multi-day), helping finish fourth in their group. In the 1999-00 Trophy, he amassed 488 runs across nine matches at an average of 40.66, including a crucial 84 in the final against , though lost the match. In 2000-2001, Dhoni was selected for the under-19 team and toured . A key incident occurred during the tour when he was dropped after an altercation with team management but was soon reinstated, highlighting his resilience. The same year, following Bihar's bifurcation, Dhoni shifted to the newly formed youth team. He continued performing in youth tournaments, including the CK Nayudu Trophy, building toward senior-level selection. Dhoni received his first major recognition in the 2003–04 (List A inter-zonal), where he was part of the East Zone squad that won the title, scoring 244 runs in four matches, including 114 against Central Zone, that showcased his explosive strokeplay and propelled his transition to senior domestic cricket.

Domestic career

First-class debut and early matches

To support his burgeoning cricket career, Dhoni joined the in 2000 as a Ticket Collector (TTE) in the division of the South Eastern Railway, where he balanced demanding work shifts on trains with rigorous training sessions at local grounds. Dhoni made his first-class debut on 12 January 2000 for against in the East Zone at , scoring 0 in the first innings and 62* in the second. The following seasons, from 2000 to 2004, saw Dhoni face challenges in establishing himself as a batsman, with low scores across several innings and drawing criticism for his unorthodox aggressive style that often led to early dismissals. A notable performance during this period came in a 2000/01 match against , where he scored 40 off 62 balls and 59*, showcasing his potential for quick scoring despite the overall struggles. In 2004, Dhoni transitioned to a full-time wicketkeeping role for Jharkhand (after Bihar's split), which allowed him to focus on his glovework while improving his batting position. The 2004-05 season marked a breakthrough, as he amassed 397 runs at an average of 79.40 in first-class cricket, including 128 against Orissa that helped stabilize Jharkhand's innings. These domestic performances earned Dhoni selection for India A's tours in 2004, first to Zimbabwe and then to Kenya for the Triangular Tournament, where he scored an unbeaten 119 against Pakistan A in Nairobi, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes to chase down 235 and secure a victory.

Key domestic performances

Dhoni's domestic career reached a turning point in the 2003–2004 season, where in the final he scored 114, propelling East Zone to a 142-run victory over Central Zone and underscoring his finishing prowess in limited-overs domestic cricket. His performance not only highlighted his power-hitting but also his composure under pressure, traits that became hallmarks of his style. By 2006, Dhoni had established himself through consistent domestic performances, reflecting steady growth from his early struggles. As captain in tournaments like the , he played a pivotal role in elevating Jharkhand's standing in one-day domestics, often employing an aggressive finishing style that pressured opponents and accelerated run rates in the death overs. These domestic exploits directly caught the eye of national selectors during trials between 2004 and 2006, paving the way for his international breakthrough by proving his consistency and match-winning potential at the state level.

International career

ODI and T20I debut

Mahendra Singh Dhoni made his (ODI) debut on 23 December 2004 against at the MA Aziz Stadium in , during India's tour of . Batting at number 7, he faced just one ball and was for 0 by a direct hit from , contributing to India's total of 245/8. As wicketkeeper, Dhoni did not effect any dismissals in the match, which India won by 11 runs. Dhoni's early ODI career showed mixed results as he adjusted to . In the second ODI on 26 December 2004 in , he scored 12 off 11 balls before being caught off , and in the third ODI on 27 December in , he remained on 7 off 2 balls. Selected ahead of established wicketkeeper due to his explosive domestic form—highlighted by 369 runs at a of 148.19 in the 2003-04 —Dhoni was positioned as a lower-order finisher and primary keeper, a role envisioned by selectors like and who had scouted him during matches. His breakthrough came during the 2004-05 tour of ODI series. In the opening match on 2 2005 in , Dhoni scored 3 off 7 balls. Promoted up the order in the second ODI on 5 2005 at , he smashed an unbeaten 148 off 123 balls—then the highest ODI score by an Indian—with 15 fours and 4 sixes, powering to 356/9 and a 58-run victory; this innings earned him the award. He continued with 28 off 24 in the third ODI, 47 off 64 in the fourth, and 11 off 16 in the fifth, aggregating 237 runs in the series at an average of 118.50 and showcasing his aggressive finishing ability. Dhoni made his (T20I) debut on 1 December 2006 against at in , India's first-ever T20I match. Batting at number 5, he was bowled by for 0 off 2 balls, as India fell short by 2 runs chasing 127. However, Dhoni claimed 1 catch as wicketkeeper, dismissing off . Dhoni's subsequent T20I outings occurred during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in , where he batted in the middle order and kept wickets consistently. In the tournament opener against on 14 September 2007 at , he scored an unbeaten 33 off 31 balls (3 fours, 1 six), stabilizing the in a tied match that India won via a . Other notable scores included 24 off 20 against , 10 off 8 versus , 20* off 16 against , and 45* off 52 in the semi-final win over , contributing to 's overall tournament success with 129 runs at an average of 64.50. His role remained as finisher and keeper, building on his ODI experience.

Rise to captaincy and 2007 T20 World Cup

In August 2007, at the age of 26, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was unexpectedly appointed captain of the Indian cricket team for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 tournament in , marking a bold selection by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of his established role as ODI vice-captain from earlier that year. This decision bypassed more senior players, reflecting confidence in Dhoni's emerging leadership qualities demonstrated in domestic and limited international exposure. Dhoni's first match as T20I captain came on 14 September 2007 against in Group D at , where India posted 141/9 and Pakistan reached 141/7, resulting in a tie resolved by a that India won 3-0 to claim full points; Dhoni contributed 33 runs off 31 balls in the innings. India subsequently defeated by seven wickets to top Group D undefeated in terms of decisive outcomes. Advancing to the Super Eight stage in Group E, India secured key victories, including a 37-run win over South Africa on 20 September 2007 at Durban, where Dhoni anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45 off 33 balls (four fours, one six), helping India reach 153/5 before their bowlers restricted the hosts to 116/9. Another crucial performance came in an 18-run triumph against England, propelled by Gautam Gambhir's 58, ensuring progression despite a lone loss to New Zealand. In the semi-final against Australia on 22 September 2007 at Durban, Dhoni's quickfire 36 off 18 balls (four fours, one six) supported Yuvraj Singh's explosive 70 off 30 to propel India to 188/5; the bowlers then defended the total successfully, dismissing Australia for 173/7 to secure a 15-run victory and a spot in the final. The final on 24 September 2007 at pitted against , with batting first to score 157/5, powered by Gambhir's 75; Dhoni scored 6 off 10 balls before being dismissed. Chasing 158, appeared poised at 144/6 but crumbled in the closing stages under Dhoni's tactical acumen. With 13 runs needed off the final over, Dhoni opted for the relatively inexperienced over , a gamble that paid off when Sharma's slower full delivery on the 19.3 over induced a scoop shot from , caught by Sreesanth at short fine-leg for 43, sealing a five-run victory and 's first ICC T20 World Cup title. This triumph ended India's 24-year ICC title drought since the 1983 ODI World Cup, igniting national celebration and establishing the T20 format's viability. Dhoni received widespread praise for his unflappable demeanor under pressure, particularly his composed decision-making in high-stakes moments like the final over, which coach later described as a hallmark of the team's historic achievement. Paralleling his cricketing rise, Dhoni had been honored as the Youth Icon of the Year in for embodying youthful aspiration and resilience. Following the victory, Dhoni was elevated to ODI captain on 18 September 2007, just before the tournament's conclusion, leading to the Commonwealth Bank Series title in during February-March 2008, where they defeated the hosts 2-0 in the best-of-three finals after topping the round-robin stage. Later that year, in 2008, Dhoni guided to a dominant 5-0 of in a home ODI series, showcasing his growing command in the 50-over format with disciplined bowling attacks and aggressive batting.

2011 ODI World Cup victory

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was appointed as India's full-time One-Day International (ODI) captain in September 2007, succeeding following Dravid's resignation after a challenging period that included India's early exit from the 2007 ODI . Under Dhoni's leadership, India co-hosted the 2011 ICC ODI with and from February 19 to April 2, marking the first time the tournament was held across three nations and featuring 14 venues, with India hosting the majority of matches including the final. India, placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, England, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, and West Indies, advanced to the knockout stages with five wins from six group matches, suffering only a three-wicket defeat to South Africa. Dhoni contributed steadily as a middle-order batsman and wicket-keeper, scoring 156 runs at an average of 31.20, including a half-century against England, while his captaincy emphasized balanced bowling attacks and aggressive fielding to secure victories like the 87-run win over Bangladesh and the 80-run triumph over West Indies. In the quarter-final against at on March 24, Dhoni scored a brisk 7 off 8 balls, providing stability during a tense chase of 261, which India achieved with five wickets in hand thanks to Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 57 and Sachin Tendulkar's 53. The semi-final against at on March 30 saw Dhoni anchor the innings with 25 off 42 balls in a low-scoring thriller, guiding India to a 29-run after restricting to 231, with his tactical decision to bring on proving pivotal in the collapse of the opposition middle order. The final against at in on April 2 was a defining moment, with posting 274/6, led by Mahela Jayawardene's unbeaten 103. Dhoni, promoted to number three—a bold call influenced by Tendulkar's advice to leverage his finishing ability—scored an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, forming a crucial 109-run partnership with (97). His composed innings, featuring a match-winning straight six off in the 49th over, sealed a six-wicket victory with 10 balls remaining as chased 275. Dhoni's leadership throughout the tournament highlighted his trust in senior players like Tendulkar, whose sixth appearance was a motivational anchor, and his insistence on including despite fitness concerns over a tumor, a decision he and coach advocated to selectors for Yuvraj's all-round impact (362 runs and 15 wickets). Following the win—India's second ODI title, 28 years after the 1983 triumph—Dhoni was named in the final for his batting and a stumping, and the team celebrated with an open-bus along Mumbai's Marine Drive, drawing millions of fans.

Test career and 2014 retirement

Mahendra Singh Dhoni made his Test debut on December 2, 2005, against at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in , where he scored 30 runs in the first innings before being dismissed by , contributing to India's total of 167 in a drawn match. In his debut calendar year, Dhoni played three Tests, accumulating 149 runs at an average of 37.25, including a highest score of 51 against in , showcasing early promise as a lower-order batsman and wicketkeeper. Dhoni's Test career gained momentum in subsequent years, with notable contributions such as his 148 against in in 2006, helping India secure a in a low-scoring encounter, and a resilient 92 against in in 2008 that aided a series-levelling victory. He assumed the Test captaincy in 2008, succeeding after the latter's injury during the home series against , leading India in his first match—a win by an innings and 90 runs in . Under Dhoni's leadership, India achieved the No. 1 Test ranking in 2009 and won series in and the , with notable contributions in successful run chases, such as the then-highest fourth-innings pursuit of 387 against at in 2008 where he scored 68*. In 72 Tests as captain from 2008 to 2014, Dhoni recorded 27 wins, 18 losses, and 27 draws, establishing himself as India's most successful Test skipper at the time. One of Dhoni's standout Test performances came in 2013 against in , where he scored an unbeaten 224—his highest and only double century in the format—off 265 balls, featuring 24 fours and six sixes, propelling to 572 all out and an eight-wicket victory that leveled the series. This innings not only highlighted his aggressive counter-attacking style but also marked the highest score by an Indian captain in Tests. Overall, in 90 Tests from 2005 to 2014, Dhoni amassed 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09, including six centuries and 33 half-centuries, while effecting 294 dismissals as wicketkeeper, the most by an Indian in the format. Post-2011, Dhoni's Test form fluctuated amid India's struggles in overseas conditions, with averages dipping below 30 in away series against and , compounded by the physical toll of captaincy across formats. To manage workload, he adopted a selective approach from , prioritizing limited-overs while occasionally featuring in key home Tests, allowing younger players like to shoulder more responsibility. Dhoni retired from Test cricket on December 30, 2014, immediately after the drawn third Test against at the , where he scored 24 not out in the second innings to help reach 174 for 6 and avoid defeat. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the decision, stating Dhoni wished to focus on white-ball formats to prolong his international career and reduce physical strain. This abrupt retirement, just 10 matches shy of 100 Tests, underscored his strategic shift toward ODIs and T20Is, where he continued to excel.

Final international years and 2020 retirement

Following his retirement from in 2014, MS Dhoni continued to feature exclusively in white-ball formats for , focusing on ODIs and T20Is through 2019. In 2019, he played a limited schedule of 18 ODIs, scoring 600 runs at an average of 60.00, including six half-centuries and a highest score of 87 . His contributions remained vital in high-pressure scenarios, such as the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he aggregated 273 runs across nine innings at an average of 91.00 and a of 95.77. Representative performances included an unbeaten 29 off 16 balls in the league match against , helping stabilize the chase before a collapse, and a gritty 50 off 72 balls in the semi-final against . Dhoni's World Cup campaign ended dramatically in the semi-final on July 10, 2019, at Old Trafford, Manchester, where India fell short by 18 runs chasing 240. With India needing 31 runs off the last two overs and Dhoni on strike, he was run out attempting a quick single, having faced 72 deliveries for his half-century. This dismissal, involving a direct hit by Martin Guptill, sealed New Zealand's victory and marked Dhoni's final international appearance. Earlier in the tournament, he showcased his finishing prowess, such as an unbeaten 68 off 65 balls against Sri Lanka, underscoring his role as a reliable middle-order anchor and wicketkeeper. On August 15, 2020—India's Independence Day—Dhoni announced his retirement from ODIs and T20Is via an post, stating, "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired." The BCCI paid tribute with a video montage, but Dhoni issued no formal press statement, opting for a low-key farewell 13 months after his last match. He later revealed that the 2019 World Cup semi-final loss prompted his decision, viewing it as the appropriate endpoint to his international career. Dhoni concluded his international career as India's most successful white-ball , having led the team to three ICC trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. His overall statistics reflect enduring excellence: in 350 ODIs, he scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57 with 10 centuries and effected 444 dismissals (321 catches, 123 stumpings); in 98 T20Is, 1,617 runs at 37.60 with 91 dismissals (57 catches, 34 stumpings); and in 90 Tests, 4,876 runs at 38.09 with 294 dismissals. Post-retirement, Dhoni returned to the IPL with Chennai Super Kings in 2020, extending his professional playing career in the T20 format.

IPL and franchise career

Chennai Super Kings tenure

MS Dhoni's association with the (CSK) began at the 2008 IPL auction, where the franchise, owned by , strategically targeted him as their marquee signing and inaugural captain, acquiring him for $1.5 million (approximately ₹6 ). This move was driven by Dhoni's rising reputation as a leader following his international success, with CSK viewing his pan-India appeal and calm demeanor as ideal for building a competitive team from its inception. Dhoni led CSK in every season from 2008 until 2015, establishing a foundation of consistency and resilience that defined the franchise's identity. Throughout his tenure, Dhoni played a pivotal role in by fostering deep loyalty among core players, notably and , whom CSK repeatedly retained alongside him in auctions and retention cycles to maintain squad stability. This approach created a cohesive unit, with Dhoni emphasizing collective performance over individual stardom, which became a hallmark of CSK's culture. Fans affectionately nicknamed him "Thala," meaning "leader" in Tamil, reflecting his paternal influence and the emotional bond he built with the supporter base, often symbolized by the team's yellow jerseys and the chant " Podu." His leadership philosophy prioritized trust and long-term relationships, enabling CSK to develop a reputation for unity and adaptability. When CSK faced a two-year suspension from the IPL in 2016 and 2017 due to administrative violations involving betting scandals, Dhoni honored his commitment to the franchise's ownership by joining the newly formed (RPS), where he continued to embody CSK's team-first ethos despite the temporary separation. This period tested but ultimately reinforced CSK's culture of resilience, as Dhoni's presence in RPS helped bridge the gap, and the franchise's fans remained loyal, viewing the ban as a setback rather than a fracture. Upon CSK's return in 2018, Dhoni resumed his role seamlessly, contributing to the team's revival. In recent years, Dhoni has transitioned toward non-playing contributions within CSK, serving in a capacity while reducing his on-field workload; for instance, in the 2024 season, he stepped back from to focus on guiding younger players, though he continued as a specialist batsman and wicketkeeper. By the 2025 IPL season, this evolution was evident in his limited but impactful cameos, signaling a gradual shift toward advisory roles without fully retiring from playing. Over his IPL career with CSK and RPS spanning 2008 to 2025, Dhoni featured in 278 matches, scoring 5,439 runs at an average of 39.58, including 24 half-centuries, and effecting 201 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, underscoring his enduring value to the franchise beyond leadership.

IPL captaincy and major wins

Mahendra Singh Dhoni assumed the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings from the inaugural IPL season in 2008, guiding the franchise through periods of dominance, suspensions, and comebacks with remarkable consistency. By the end of the 2021 season, Dhoni had captained in 205 IPL matches across CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant, achieving 121 wins and establishing the highest win percentage among captains with over 100 games at approximately 59%. His leadership emphasized tactical acumen, player empowerment, and resilience, turning CSK into a perennial contender. Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK secured four IPL titles by 2021, each marked by decisive performances in the finals. In 2010, CSK defeated by 22 runs in the final at , with Dhoni's 22 off 11 balls proving crucial in setting a defendable 168/5. The 2011 final saw CSK overpower Royal Challengers Bangalore by 58 runs at , where Suresh Raina's 73 and Dhoni's strategic changes restricted RCB to 147/8 while CSK posted 205/5. Returning after a two-year ban, Dhoni led CSK to the 2018 title, chasing down Sunrisers Hyderabad's 178/6 with eight wickets and two balls to spare at Hyderabad, highlighted by Shane Watson's century and Dhoni's composed 18 . The 2021 triumph came against by 27 runs in , with CSK's 192/3 powered by Faf du Plessis's 86, as Dhoni's seam attack, led by Shardul Thakur's 3/25, dismantled KKR for 165/9. Dhoni's strategies revolved around his role as a finisher, often entering in the slog overs to unleash powerful hitting while maintaining strike rotation, which stabilized chases and built partnerships. He placed unwavering trust in key bowlers like , deploying him in death overs for yorkers and slower balls that yielded multiple wickets in high-pressure scenarios, such as the 2018 and 2021 playoffs. Iconic comebacks defined his tenure, exemplified by the 2018 final where CSK recovered from 67/4 to chase 179, with Dhoni's 18-ball 18 including the match-winning six off , showcasing his ability to read the game and back underdogs. Following the 2021 victory, Dhoni's captaincy evolved with handovers to nurture successors. He stepped down after the 2022 season, passing the role to for 2023, though Jadeja relinquished it after two matches, prompting Dhoni's brief return that season. The baton then moved to ahead of 2024, but Dhoni resumed captaincy midway through the 2025 IPL season amid team struggles. These transitions underscored his philosophy while preserving CSK's legacy. Dhoni's impact as IPL captain is profound, with five titles (including 2023 against by five wickets) making CSK one of the league's most successful franchises alongside . His era transformed CSK into a symbol of sustained excellence, reaching ten finals and qualifying for in 12 of 14 seasons up to 2023, through a blend of loyalty to core players and adaptive tactics.

Recent IPL seasons (2021–2025)

In the 2021 IPL season, MS Dhoni captained to their fourth title, defeating by 27 runs in the final at . Dhoni scored 114 runs across 16 matches at an average of 16.28, focusing primarily on leadership and wicket-keeping duties. The 2022 season marked a downturn for CSK, who finished ninth and missed the , with Dhoni reclaiming the midway after Ravindra Jadeja's brief stint. He contributed 232 runs in 14 matches, including a match-winning 28 off 13 balls against . Dhoni's mentorship extended to nurturing talents like , who emerged as a key opener. CSK rebounded in 2023 under Gaikwad's captaincy, with Dhoni serving as vice-captain and mentor, guiding the team to their fifth IPL title against Gujarat Titans in the final. Dhoni played limited overs, scoring 104 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate over 182, emphasizing his role in strategy and player development during the triumphant campaign. Entering 2024 post-knee surgery in June 2023, Dhoni adopted a fitness-focused approach to manage his workload at age 42, playing 11 matches and scoring 161 runs at an average of 35.77. Despite his explosive cameos, including three sixes against , CSK missed the playoffs after a string of losses, finishing outside the top four. In IPL 2025, Dhoni returned to full-time captaincy midway through the season after suffered an elbow fracture that ruled him out following five matches. Leading from match six onward, Dhoni featured in 14 matches, amassing 196 runs in 13 innings with a highest score of 30* against RCB, helping stabilize CSK's middle order. Under his guidance, CSK struggled with batting inconsistencies, winning only two of the eight matches he captained and finishing last in the points table. Dhoni has confirmed his participation in IPL 2026, embracing a hybrid player-mentor role to balance on-field contributions with grooming successors like Gaikwad. Throughout 2021–2025, Dhoni navigated challenges of managing his physical condition beyond age 40, including post-surgery recovery and selective batting to preserve energy for wicket-keeping. He adapted to the impact substitute rule introduced in 2023, which he critiqued as unnecessary "masala" despite it aiding his finisher role by allowing extra batting depth. Intense fan expectations added pressure, with supporters chanting "Dhoni, Dhoni" during cameos, yet he maintained composure amid scrutiny over CSK's inconsistent finishes.

Playing style and leadership

Batting and wicket-keeping technique

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a right-handed middle-order batsman renowned for his role as a finisher, typically batting at positions 5, 6, or 7 in limited-overs . His batting style emphasizes calculated aggression, particularly in the middle and death overs, where he employs a wide range of shots to accelerate the scoring rate. A hallmark of his technique is the , a powerful bottom-handed executed against full-length deliveries and yorkers, generating immense bat speed through a distinctive follow-through that propels the ball straight down the ground or over long-on. This shot, which Dhoni popularized and refined over his career, relies on strong wrists, core rotation, and a stable base to convert seemingly unplayable balls into boundaries. Dhoni's approach incorporates 360-degree shot-making, allowing him to manipulate the ball in all directions, especially during high-pressure death overs when field restrictions tighten. He often uses ramps, scoops, and improvised flicks behind square to exploit gaps, combining traditional drives with unorthodox innovations to maintain momentum against varied bowling attacks. In ODIs, he amassed over 10,000 runs at a of 87.56, showcasing his ability to build innings while accelerating when required. In T20Is, his reached 126.13 across more than 1,600 runs, underscoring his effectiveness in shorter formats. In the IPL, Dhoni surpassed 5,000 runs, frequently turning games in the final overs with explosive cameos. As a wicketkeeper, Dhoni's technique is characterized by quick hands and exceptional anticipation, enabling him to effect 829 international dismissals, including 634 catches and 195 stumpings. His glovework features a proactive stance with minimal movement, allowing rapid reactions to edges and byes; he absorbs pace by driving his gloves forward rather than passively cushioning the ball, a method that enhances control on bouncy or turning pitches. Dhoni's stumping prowess, often described as a "helicopter" variant due to the swift, whipping arm action without arm bend, revolutionized the skill, permitting lightning-quick removals even from wide of the stumps. This evolutionary approach contributed to his record 123 ODI stumpings and 38 in Tests. Dhoni's batting evolved from raw aggression in his youth—exemplified by his explosive 148 off 111 balls on ODI debut in —to a more refined, risk-minimized style in the , where he honed the for consistency under pressure. Post-2019, following his international retirement, he shifted toward pure power-hitting in IPL seasons, prioritizing sixes and a exceeding 180 in death overs to compensate for reduced game time. In 2025, he scored 196 runs at a of 135.17, including 12 sixes in death overs. Early in his Test career, however, Dhoni struggled with inconsistency, averaging under 40 across 90 matches due to challenges adapting his limited-overs flair to longer formats. Additionally, in ODI chases, he occasionally adopted a slower scoring rate early in his —sometimes below 80—before unleashing in the finale, averaging 50 but trailing partners' rates in 71% of successful pursuits.

Captaincy philosophy and tactics

MS Dhoni's captaincy philosophy is characterized by a calm and composed demeanor, often earning him the moniker "Captain Cool," which allows him to maintain clarity under pressure and foster a relaxed team environment. This approach emphasizes backing players through trust and persistence, as exemplified by his decision to include and rely on off-spinner in the 2011 ODI squad despite debates over selections like , enabling Ashwin to contribute significantly to India's campaign. Dhoni prioritizes instinct and game-reading over heavy reliance on data analytics, believing that intuitive decision-making in high-stakes moments often trumps statistical models. His tactical acumen shines in critical phases, particularly death bowling adjustments, such as handing the final over of the 2007 T20 World Cup final to despite the bowler's relative inexperience, a move that secured victory against by dismissing . In batting strategies, Dhoni demonstrated bold promotion of himself as a finisher in the 2011 ODI World Cup final, batting ahead of to counter Sri Lanka's spinners like , culminating in an unbeaten 91 that clinched the title. Across formats, Dhoni's leadership yielded strong results, with 110 wins in 200 ODIs (55% win rate), 41 victories in 72 T20Is, and 136 wins in 235 IPL matches as captain of (or ), as of 2025. He pioneered early T20 aggression by encouraging fearless play in the 2007 World Cup, focusing on simplicity and player confidence to adapt to the format's demands. Post-2015, Dhoni innovated workload rotation, especially in the IPL, by managing player fatigue through strategic rests and role adjustments to sustain performance over long seasons. Despite these strengths, Dhoni faced criticisms for occasionally employing conservative field settings that limited attacking options, as noted in analyses of his ODI tactics during challenging chases. In the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against , his tactical choices, including the batting order that sent ahead of him, were labeled a blunder by former players, contributing to India's collapse despite a strong position.

Off-field contributions

Endorsements and business ventures

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been one of India's most sought-after celebrity endorsers, leveraging his cricketing fame to promote over 40 brands as of 2025. His endorsement portfolio spans sports, finance, automotive, and consumer goods sectors, with notable long-term associations including Reebok from 2006 to 2016, which marked one of his earliest major deals in sportswear. Following the end of his PepsiCo partnership in 2016 after 11 years, Dhoni transitioned to promoting brands like Orient Electric fans, alongside current collaborations with Mastercard, Gulf Oil, Cleartrip, and Garuda Aerospace. In 2025, he has 43 endorsement deals, the highest among Indian celebrities, generating an estimated ₹4-5 crore monthly from advertising. Dhoni's brand value reached approximately ₹800 in 2025, driven by his enduring appeal and strategic partnerships that emphasize reliability and performance. He was ranked as the world's highest-paid cricketer by in 2012, earning $26.5 million primarily from endorsements like and , and maintained top earnings among athletes from 2012 to 2014 with annual figures exceeding $30 million. The 2018 Padma Bhushan award further elevated his marketability, enhancing deal values by associating his image with national pride and leadership. Recent activities include promoting kits through his apparel brand and fitness initiatives tied to SportsFit gyms. Beyond endorsements, Dhoni has diversified into business ownership and investments, co-founding the apparel brand Seven in 2017, which ceased operations by 2025. He became a co-owner of franchise in 2014, alongside partners like , contributing to the club's growth in football promotion. In , Dhoni established Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd in 2019, producing films such as the 2023 Tamil romantic comedy Let's Get Married and documentaries like , aiming to create content across , English, and regional languages. Dhoni's investment portfolio includes stakes in over 12 startups across , drones, and agritech, such as Garuda Aerospace for agricultural drones since 2022 and plant-based food company Shaka Harry. In July 2025, his invested an undisclosed amount in digital startup Acko. He has also invested in platforms like and , owning a 7-acre farmhouse in valued at over ₹100 and a sea-facing apartment in . These ventures, combined with endorsement income, contribute to his estimated net worth of ₹1,000-1,100 as of 2025.

Philanthropy and social initiatives

MS Dhoni founded the MS Dhoni Charitable Foundation in 2010 to promote and sports opportunities for underprivileged children, particularly in his home state of . The foundation offers scholarships, school supplies, and sports clinics to support young talent, including felicitating budding cricketers in to encourage grassroots development. Dhoni has contributed to disaster relief efforts on multiple occasions. In response to the 2015 Chennai floods, he donated ₹75 to assist affected families and communities. During the in 2020, he provided ₹1 to the Mukul Madhav Foundation to aid daily wage workers in by funding essentials for 100 families over 14 days. In animal welfare, Dhoni adopted a stray named from a in 2013, a move commended by PETA for raising awareness about and supporting indigenous breeds over exotic ones. To foster sports among youth, Dhoni backed the launch of academies in starting in 2010, aimed at nurturing talent from local communities through structured training programs. More recently, through ' initiatives like the Junior Super Kings inter-school T20 tournament launched in 2024, he has helped expand access to coaching for schoolchildren across 23 districts in . In August 2024, Dhoni contributed memorabilia to the for Charity auction to support charitable causes. Dhoni served as a for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan from 2017, promoting nationwide cleanliness and sanitation drives to inspire public participation in environmental initiatives.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was born to Pan Singh, a retired employee of the public sector undertaking MECON Limited, and Devaki Devi, a homemaker, in , . He has two older siblings: an elder brother, Narendra Singh Dhoni, a former local politician, and an elder , Jayanti Gupta, who works as an English teacher at a public school in . Dhoni's family provided unwavering support during his early career struggles, with his Jayanti playing a key role in convincing their father to allow him to pursue professionally instead of a stable government job. In 2025, Dhoni's parents attended a IPL match, underscoring their continued support. Dhoni married Sakshi Singh Rawat, whom he met in 2007 through a common friend while she was interning at the hotel in during an Indian cricket team stay. Their relationship, which began with exchanged messages and developed into a romance, culminated in an arranged-love on July 4, 2010, in a private ceremony in attended by family and close friends. The couple maintains a close bond with Sakshi's family, integrating them into Dhoni's personal circle. The couple has one daughter, Ziva Singh Dhoni, born on February 6, 2015, in , during the Indian team's participation in the . Dhoni and Sakshi have consistently prioritized their family's privacy, rarely sharing details about Ziva's life beyond occasional glimpses. Dhoni shares strong friendships with teammates, notably , who was among the select few invited to the intimate wedding and remains a close confidant. Throughout his career, Dhoni's family has served as his primary support system, offering emotional grounding amid professional pressures, with their home acting as a personal retreat where he unwinds away from the public eye.

Interests and lifestyle

MS Dhoni maintains a keen interest in motorcycles, owning an extensive collection of more than 70 bikes that includes several classic Royal Enfield models, which he houses in a dedicated two-storey garage in Ranchi. He frequently embarks on long bike rides, viewing them as a way to unwind and connect with his roots, and incorporates them into his routine to stay mentally refreshed. Dhoni is also a devoted dog owner, with several pets including a Belgian Malinois named Sam, two white huskies named Lily and Gabbar, and a Dutch Shepherd named Zoya, whom he treats as family members. His hobbies extend to golf, where he has demonstrated skill in casual games with friends and notable figures such as former US President Donald Trump. From his early years, Dhoni has enjoyed football, reflecting his broader affinity for sports beyond cricket. To sustain his athletic performance, Dhoni follows a rigorous fitness regimen that incorporates for flexibility and sessions focused on , agility, and high-intensity interval exercises. In 2023, following the IPL season, he underwent knee surgery to address a longstanding injury and completed rehabilitation through 2024, allowing him to return to competitive play. His diet emphasizes discipline, prioritizing home-cooked meals with balanced portions of proteins, vegetables, and fresh juices while avoiding excess fats and . Despite his global stardom, Dhoni prefers a low-key lifestyle, often retreating to his Ranchi home where he can avoid the spotlight of larger cities like Mumbai. He consciously steers clear of social media, maintaining no personal accounts to preserve his privacy and focus on real-life connections. Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has embraced farming at his expansive Ranchi farmhouse, where he personally operates tractors and tends to organic crops as a grounding pursuit. He has made occasional media appearances, including sharing insights on India's performance during the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Career statistics

International and domestic figures

MS Dhoni's international career, spanning from 2004 to 2020, showcased his prowess as a middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper, contributing significantly to India's success across formats. His batting emphasized composure under pressure, particularly in run chases, while his glovework was marked by lightning-quick stumpings and reliable catching. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Dhoni played 350 matches and scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, with a highest score of 183 ; he registered 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries. In Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), he featured in 98 matches, amassing 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, his best being 56. In Test matches, Dhoni appeared in 90 games, compiling 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09, highlighted by a highest score of 224.
FormatMatchesInningsRunsAverageHighest ScoreCenturiesHalf-centuries
ODIs35029710,77350.57183*1073
T20Is98851,61737.605602
Tests901444,87638.09224633
Dhoni did not bowl in any international match, taking zero wickets. As a wicketkeeper, he achieved 829 dismissals across formats—634 catches and 195 stumpings—demonstrating exceptional agility and anticipation behind the stumps. Key milestones include becoming the fastest wicketkeeper-batsman to 10,000 ODI runs, reached during the 2018 series against at . He also holds the record for most ODI stumpings with 123. In domestic cricket, Dhoni played 41 first-class matches, scoring 2,162 runs at an of 32.44, with a highest score of 254 . In domestic List A competitions, he featured in 93 matches, aggregating 3,546 runs at an of 42.68. These figures reflect his contributions prior to his international retirement in 2020, with T20 league performances, including the IPL, addressed in subsequent records.

IPL and captaincy records

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been a cornerstone of the (IPL) since its inception in 2008, amassing impressive statistics as both a batsman and wicket-keeper through the 2025 season. In 264 matches, he scored 5,460 runs at an average of 39.50, with a highest score of 84* and a of 137.45, often finishing explosively in the lower order. Behind the stumps, Dhoni achieved 200 dismissals (153 catches and 47 stumpings), showcasing his agility and tactical acumen in the fast-paced T20 format. Across all formats, Dhoni's record stands as one of the most successful in history. In , he led in 332 matches, securing 178 wins (Tests: 60 matches, 27 wins; ODIs: 200 matches, 110 wins; T20Is: 72 matches, 41 wins) for a win percentage of 53.61%. In the IPL, he captained in approximately 250 matches, achieving around 148 wins. His ability to manage teams under pressure has been a defining trait, blending strategic changes with calm decision-making. In the IPL specifically, Dhoni holds the record for the most wins as captain with 148 as of 2025, underscoring ' (CSK) dominance under his guidance. He led the team to in 12 out of 16 seasons (excluding suspended 2020), a testament to his sustained excellence in franchise cricket, and masterminded 42 successful chases, often relying on his finishing prowess. Additionally, Dhoni recorded the highest as captain in an IPL final during the 2010 edition, forging an unbeaten 73-run stand with to secure CSK's first title. Dhoni also owns the record for the most stumpings in IPL history with 47, highlighting his wicket-keeping precision. In the 2025 season, he played 14 matches, scoring 196 runs at a strike rate of 140 while effecting 12 dismissals, helping CSK reach the playoffs despite challenges.
CategoryStatistic
IPL Matches Played264
IPL Runs Scored5,460
IPL Batting Average39.50
IPL Highest Score84*
IPL Strike Rate137.45
IPL Dismissals200 (153 catches, 47 stumpings)
International Captaincy Matches332
International Wins178 (53.61%)
IPL Captaincy Wins148
IPL Successful Chases42
IPL Playoffs Appearances12/16 seasons
IPL Stumpings Record47

Achievements and records

International milestones

MS Dhoni's international career is marked by several groundbreaking milestones, particularly in limited-overs formats where his role as a finishing batsman and wicketkeeper captain shone brightest. In July 2018, during the ODI series against at , Dhoni became the first Indian wicketkeeper to aggregate 10,000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat with a score of 37 in the second match; he was the fourth Indian overall and second wicketkeeper globally after to reach this landmark. As a testament to his power-hitting prowess, Dhoni holds the record for the most sixes by a wicketkeeper in ODIs with 229 maximums across 350 matches, underscoring his ability to accelerate innings from the middle order. Extending this across formats, Dhoni amassed 359 sixes in (78 in Tests, 229 in ODIs, and 52 in T20Is), establishing him as one of the format's most destructive keepers. Dhoni's contributions in major ICC events further highlight his impact. He was named Player of the Tournament at the 2007 , where he captained to their inaugural title, scoring 145 runs at a of 135.51 while effecting 13 dismissals behind the stumps. In the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final against , Dhoni's unbeaten 91 off 79 balls, including the match-winning six, earned him the Man of the Match award and propelled to victory. His wicketkeeping excellence is evident in his 42 dismissals (34 catches and 8 stumpings) across four editions from 2007 to 2019. In bilateral series, Dhoni delivered standout performances that showcased his consistency and leadership. During the 2008 ODI series in , he accumulated 193 runs across five matches, helping secure a 3-2 series win. In the 2011-12 Series in , Dhoni scored 205 runs in six innings at an average of 51.25, including two fifties, aiding 's campaign despite an early exit. His longevity as a keeper is unparalleled for , with 444 dismissals in ODIs (321 catches and 123 stumpings), the highest by any Indian wicketkeeper and third overall globally. Dhoni's captaincy tenure included leading India in three World Cups— the 2007 T20 , 2011 ODI , and 2015 ODI —demonstrating remarkable endurance over a . Uniquely, he remains the only captain to win all three major ICC limited-overs trophies: the 2007 T20 , 2011 ODI , and 2013 , a feat that cements his legacy in white-ball .

IPL and domestic accolades

In the (IPL), MS Dhoni holds the record for the most matches played by any player, appearing in 278 games across 18 seasons as of the conclusion of IPL 2025. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he is the highest run-scorer in IPL history among players who primarily keep wickets, amassing 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30, with a of 137.45. Dhoni's leadership has been pivotal for (CSK), whom he captained to a record five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament's history with 138 wins from 235 matches led (as of the end of IPL 2025). He also remains CSK's all-time leading run-scorer, with 5,176 runs in 250 matches for the franchise. Dhoni's individual batting accolades in the IPL include a strong performance in the inaugural season, where he scored 618 runs in 16 matches at a of 142.86, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer behind and establishing himself as an Orange Cap contender early in his T20 career. In IPL 2025, despite limited opportunities higher up the order, Dhoni contributed 196 runs in 13 innings at a of 135.17, including 14 sixes that highlighted his enduring finishing prowess in the overs. His ability to accelerate has been a hallmark, with notable instances like striking at over 150 in overs during the 2025 season, underscoring his impact even in a reduced role. In domestic cricket, Dhoni represented after beginning with , showcasing his skills in first-class and List A formats. His highest List A score for stands at 129, achieved in a match, reflecting his consistency as a middle-order anchor and finisher. As captain, he guided to the semi-finals in the 2016-17 season, providing mentorship and strategic input that helped the team reach their first elite-group semi-final, though they fell short against . Dhoni also led to victory in the 2009 Inter State Twenty20 Tournament, defeating in the final and demonstrating his tactical acumen in shorter formats at the domestic level.

Honours

National awards

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has received several prestigious honors from the Government of India recognizing his contributions to cricket and sports. In 2007–08, he was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honor, for his leadership in captaining the Indian team to victory in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament. This made him the second cricketer to receive the award, following Sachin Tendulkar in 1997–98. In 2009, Dhoni was conferred the , the fourth-highest civilian award in , acknowledging his exceptional performance as a cricketer and captain, including his role in India's successful campaigns in . He received the award from government officials in after being unable to attend the ceremony in . Dhoni's accolades continued with the in 2018, India's third-highest civilian honor, presented by President at for his outstanding achievements in sports, particularly his captaincy in winning the and other major tournaments. Notably, Dhoni accepted the award dressed in his honorary uniform, highlighting his military affiliation. In November 2011, the Indian Territorial Army honored Dhoni with the rank of Honorary for his inspirational contributions to the armed forces through sports and youth motivation. This recognition underscored his commitment to national service beyond . As of 2025, Dhoni has not received any additional national awards from the Indian government, though discussions around retrospective honors for his career have highlighted his in Indian sports.

Team successes

Under MS Dhoni's captaincy, India achieved remarkable success in , securing multiple major titles that solidified his reputation as one of the game's most effective leaders. His first major triumph came in the inaugural in 2007, where he led to victory in , defeating by five runs in the final at ; Dhoni's strategic decisions, including the famous last-over bowling change to , were pivotal in ending India's long wait for an ICC trophy. Dhoni's leadership peaked with India's ODI World Cup win in , captaining the hosts to a six-wicket victory over in the final at , where his unbeaten 91 off 79 balls, culminating in a famous six, sealed the second title for after 28 years. Two years later, in 2013, he guided India to the title in , overcoming rain-affected conditions to beat by five runs in a dramatic final at Birmingham, becoming the first captain to win all three major ICC white-ball tournaments. Dhoni also captained India to two Asia Cup victories. In 2010, India clinched the trophy by defeating Sri Lanka by 81 runs in the Dambulla final, with Dhoni's side dominating the group stages and semifinals. The 2016 T20 Asia Cup in Bangladesh saw India triumph by eight wickets against the hosts in the final at Dhaka, showcasing Dhoni's tactical prowess in the shorter format. Beyond these ICC events, Dhoni led India to key bilateral successes, including the 2008 tri-series in —India's first ODI series win —culminating in a 166-run victory over in the final at . In 2013, he steered the team to the Tri-Nation Series title, chasing down 202 with one wicket in hand against in the final, where his unbeaten 45 off 52 balls proved decisive. In the (IPL), Dhoni captained (CSK) to five titles, establishing the franchise as the most successful in the competition's history. CSK won in 2010 by defeating by 22 runs in the final, followed by a 58-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 at . The team added titles in 2018 (beating by eight wickets in Hyderabad), 2021 (against by 27 runs in ), and 2023 (edging in a rain-affected thriller in ). Dhoni also led CSK to two Champions League T20 crowns, winning the 2010 edition with a 40-run victory over Warriors in the Johannesburg final and the 2014 title by chasing down 181 against in Bengaluru.

Individual recognitions

MS Dhoni received the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008, recognizing his exceptional performance that year, including leading to victory in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 and his contributions with the bat and behind the stumps. In 2011, he was honored with the ICC Spirit of Cricket award for his sportsmanship, particularly for recalling England's after a controversial run-out during the Trent Bridge Test against . This gesture exemplified fair play and earned widespread acclaim. Post-retirement, Dhoni was awarded the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade for 2011–2020 in December 2020, highlighting his enduring commitment to the game's values. Dhoni's leadership and performances were further acknowledged by Wisden, the prestigious cricket publication. In 2014, he was named Wisden India Cricketer of the Year for his pivotal role in India's triumph and consistent contributions across formats. Additionally, in 2016, he was selected as captain of Wisden's all-time greatest India XI, underscoring his status among the nation's elite cricketers. Dhoni's global influence extended beyond the field, as evidenced by his inclusion in Forbes' annual lists of the world's highest-paid athletes. He ranked 31st in 2012 with earnings of $26.5 million, primarily from endorsements; climbed to 16th in 2013 with $31.5 million; and placed 22nd in 2014 with $30 million, making him the only cricketer on the list during this period and highlighting his commercial appeal. In a landmark achievement, Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on June 9, 2025, during a ceremony at in , joining six other cricketing legends. This honor celebrated his unparalleled captaincy—leading to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy—and his 17,266 international runs, cementing his legacy as one of cricket's all-time greats.

Cultural impact

Influence on Indian cricket

MS Dhoni's extended far beyond his on-field achievements, profoundly shaping the development of young talent in Indian cricket through mentorship and a emphasis on holistic player growth. He played a pivotal role in nurturing players like and , providing guidance on tactical decision-making and mental resilience during their formative years in the IPL and international setups. For instance, Dhoni handed over the (CSK) captaincy to in 2022, actively mentoring him on responsibilities and on-field strategies to ensure a smooth transition. Similarly, Pandya has repeatedly credited Dhoni as his mentor, highlighting how Dhoni's advice on handling pressure influenced his growth as an and captain of . Dhoni also championed a fitness-first culture within the n team, initiating a revolution in player conditioning that emphasized agility, endurance, and fielding prowess, which transformed into one of the fittest units across global sports. This shift, starting around the early 2010s, set a benchmark that subsequent captains like built upon, reducing injury rates and enhancing performance in high-intensity formats. Dhoni's triumph in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup marked a watershed moment for the shortest format in , catapulting T20 from obscurity to mainstream popularity and paving the way for the IPL's explosive growth. As a relatively inexperienced 26-year-old , he led a young Indian side to victory against in the final, a win that not only ended a 24-year ICC drought but also ignited national fervor for aggressive, entertaining . This success directly influenced the BCCI's launch of the IPL in 2008, with Dhoni's composed leadership and finishing abilities becoming synonymous with the league's ethos. Under his stewardship at CSK since the franchise's inception, the IPL evolved into a global powerhouse, with Dhoni's strategies—such as backing uncapped talent and fostering team loyalty—contributing to CSK's five titles and the league's overall brand value surpassing $12 billion by 2024. His approach helped popularize T20 as a viable career path, drawing millions of fans and revolutionizing domestic infrastructure. Hailing from the small town of in , Dhoni emerged as an icon for rural and underprivileged youth, inspiring a surge in grassroots participation and the emergence of small-town talents in professional . His journey from a local railway employee to global stardom demonstrated that barriers of geography and resources could be overcome, motivating players from non-metro areas to pursue the sport seriously. Dhoni reinforced this through initiatives like the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy in , established to provide structured training and opportunities to young cricketers from underserved regions, focusing on skill development and . His MS Dhoni Charitable Foundation further extended this impact by funding sports programs and scholarships for underprivileged children, particularly in rural , thereby broadening the talent pool for Indian . On the administrative front, Dhoni offered strategic counsel to the BCCI, notably advocating for better workload management to prevent burnout among players. In discussions with the BCCI's Committee of Administrators around 2017-2018, he proposed an A+ contract category for top performers, which allowed for tailored schedules and rest periods, influencing policies that prioritized player welfare amid packed calendars. This foresight contributed to India's sustained white-ball dominance, as Dhoni's from 2007 to 2017 yielded three ICC trophies—the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy—establishing a blueprint for aggressive chasing, innovative fielding, and calm under pressure that propelled the team to consistent success in limited-overs formats. Even after retiring from in 2020, Dhoni's influence persists in the IPL ecosystem as of 2025, where he continues to shape CSK's strategies through his advisory role and on-field presence. Retained as an uncapped player for IPL 2025 and confirmed for 2026, Dhoni's tactical acumen guides team selections and match-ups, maintaining CSK's reputation for process-driven success despite his reduced batting role. Through CSK's affiliations and his personal endorsements, he has indirectly supported growth, such as via brand campaigns promoting in the sport and foundation efforts aiding girls' programs, aligning with the broader push following India's 2025 Women's ODI victory. MS Dhoni's life and career have been extensively portrayed in biographical films, with the 2016 Hindi-language sports drama M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story serving as the most prominent example. Directed by , the film chronicles Dhoni's journey from a small-town ticket collector in to becoming a national icon, starring in the titular role alongside , , and . The movie received widespread acclaim for Rajput's performance and its depiction of Dhoni's rise, grossing over ₹216 worldwide and emphasizing themes of perseverance and . Documentaries have also captured Dhoni's influence within the Indian Premier League (IPL), including the 2019 Hotstar series Roar of the Lion: The Legacy of MS Dhoni and CSK, produced by Dhoni Entertainment, which explores his tenure as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) through interviews and archival footage. Dhoni has made cameo appearances in IPL-themed films, notably a brief role in the 2024 Tamil action film The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), where he features in a cricket match scene alongside lead actor Vijay, thrilling audiences and highlighting his cultural stature in South Indian cinema. In popular culture, Dhoni is affectionately known by nicknames such as "Captain Cool," reflecting his unflappable demeanor under pressure, a moniker that has become synonymous with his leadership style across international and IPL matches. Among CSK fans in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, he is revered as "Thala," meaning "leader" or "chief" in Tamil, a term popularized during his successful captaincy of the franchise. His signature "helicopter shot"—a powerful lofted cover drive—has inspired a wave of internet memes, often celebrating his finishing prowess in viral clips and fan edits that blend humor with admiration for his technique. Dhoni's global fanbase is evidenced by numerous dedicated clubs, including the official MS Dhoni Fans Club on with over 200,000 followers, which organizes events and shares updates worldwide, alongside regional chapters in and international fan pages on platforms like . Media outlets have paid tribute to his legacy, such as ESPNcricinfo's coverage of his 2020 international retirement, featuring messages from teammates like and highlighting his contributions to Indian cricket. Books like Captain Cool: The M.S. Dhoni Story by Gulu Ezekiel (2013), which details his early career and rise to fame, have further cemented his narrative in print media. More recently, the 2025 mini-series The MS Dhoni Experience on streaming platforms revisits his IPL highlights through personal anecdotes, while CSK featured him prominently in a 2025 advertisement campaign, 'The FedEx Factor – Powering Bold Business Ideas,' where he appears alongside teammates and to honor entrepreneurial spirit.

References

  1. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/All-you-know-about-M.S.-Dhoni/article60320172.ece
  2. https://www.icc-cricket.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famer-ms-dhoni
  3. https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/ms-dhoni-a-captain-wicketkeeper-and-batter-beyond-numbers
  4. https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/icc-congratulates-ms-dhoni-for-a-marvellous-career
  5. https://www.iplt20.com/players/ms-dhoni/1
  6. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jan/17/ms-dhoni-ranchi-india-captain
  7. https://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/m-s-dhoni-before-he-became-a-giant-115010801032_1.html
  8. https://m.economictimes.com/news/sports/ms-dhoni-their-very-own-ranchi-boy-and-much-more/articleshow/68287019.cms
  9. https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-family
  10. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/know-all-facts-about-ms-dhoni/articleshow/6129316.cms
  11. https://www.news18.com/news/education-career/celebrity-education-ms-dhoni-was-never-interested-in-studies-always-wanted-to-play-cricket-6922657.html
  12. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-credits-tennis-ball-cricket-for-quick-hands-behind-stumps/story-rAgo8Dqv4AQy353onxGEfP.html
  13. https://www.quora.com/When-did-Mahendra-Singh-Dhoni-start-playing-cricket
  14. https://www.siasat.com/top-8-indian-cricketers-who-dropped-out-of-college-for-cricket-3247480/
  15. https://www.hindustantimes.com/worldcup2015/know-your-world-cup-warrior-ms-dhoni-staying-his-own-man/story-2cKUQenbHio1NgmbSHwYJO.html
  16. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/chanchal-bhattacharya-i-wish-ms-dhoni-retired-only-after-the-upcoming-icc-t20-world-cup/articleshow/77572220.cms
  17. https://vocal.media/gamers/history-of-ms-dhoni-isms05f8
  18. https://i.imgci.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/CB/STATS/IND_LOCAL_CB_AVS_BIHAR-U19.html
  19. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/sport/story/20051128-indian-cricket-new-folk-tale-rise-of-mahendra-singh-dhoni-786497-2005-11-27
  20. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ms-dhoni-28081
  21. https://www.rediff.com/cricket/special/39-facts-you-must-know-about-dhoni/20200817.htm
  22. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150208/sports-cricket/article/ticket-collector-railway-station-india-skipper-%25E2%2580%2593-story-ms-dhoni
  23. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-1999-00-545571/bihar-vs-assam-east-zone-87917/full-scorecard
  24. https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/67702/ms-dhoni-tc-to-tc-from-ticket-collector-to-test-captain
  25. https://northeastreview.wordpress.com/2013/10/03/first-class-cricket/
  26. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/batting-most-runs-career/ranji-trophy-2004-05-2456
  27. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/kenya-triangular-tournament-2004-135056/india-a-vs-pakistan-a-412126/full-scorecard
  28. https://scroll.in/field/964162/watch-former-zimbabwe-captain-taibu-on-his-first-impression-of-ms-dhoni-during-india-a-tour-in-2004
  29. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/deodhar-trophy-2003-04-431939/east-zone-vs-central-zone-431948/full-scorecard
  30. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-bangladesh-2004-05-62350/bangladesh-vs-india-1st-odi-64914/full-scorecard
  31. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-bangladesh-2004-05-62350/bangladesh-vs-india-2nd-odi-64916/full-scorecard
  32. https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/kiran-more-recalls-how-ms-dhoni-was-picked-to-play-for-india-2454657
  33. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/i-ve-never-disclosed-this-but-here-is-how-dhoni-was-picked-syed-kirmani-narrates-msd-s-selection-story/story-eJfbWw2onTIimapmdPsPyK.html
  34. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-india-2004-05-61525/india-vs-pakistan-2nd-odi-64939/full-scorecard
  35. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/on-this-day-almost-two-decades-ago-how-ms-dhoni-tore-pakistan-apart-with-his-explosive-batting/articleshow/109052459.cms
  36. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-south-africa-2006-07-249039/south-africa-vs-india-only-t20i-255954/full-scorecard
  37. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dhoni-to-lead-indian-squad-in-south-africa-305855
  38. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2007-08-286109/india-vs-pakistan-10th-match-group-d-287862/full-scorecard
  39. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2007-08-286109/india-squad-305846/series-squads
  40. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2007-08-286109/south-africa-vs-india-24th-match-group-e-287876/full-scorecard
  41. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2007-08-286109/australia-vs-india-2nd-semi-final-287878/full-scorecard
  42. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2007-08-286109/india-vs-pakistan-final-287879/full-scorecard
  43. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2007-08-286109/india-vs-pakistan-final-287879/match-report
  44. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-world-twenty20-2007-08-380497
  45. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-s-2007-t20-world-cup-win-lalchand-rajput-we-created-history-1336348
  46. https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/ms-dhoni-awards-list-complete-career-achievements-honors/
  47. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dhoni-to-lead-india-s-odi-squad-311421
  48. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/dilip-vengsarkar-reveals-why-and-how-ms-dhoni-became-india-captain-after-rahul-dravid-quit-101687278299088.html
  49. https://testbook.com/question-answer/who-hosted-the-2011-cricket-world-cup--63f5f4356bdc5341e51dc154
  50. https://www.espn.com/sports/topics/_/page/icc-cricket-world-cup
  51. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/points-table-standings
  52. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/bangladesh-vs-india-1st-match-group-b-433558/full-scorecard
  53. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/india-vs-west-indies-42nd-match-group-b-433599/full-scorecard
  54. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/india-vs-australia-2nd-quarter-final-433601/full-scorecard
  55. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/india-vs-pakistan-2nd-semi-final-433605/full-scorecard
  56. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-433606/full-scorecard
  57. https://www.espn.com/cricket/series/8039/game/433606/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-world-cup
  58. https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/cricket/2011-world-cup-final-sachin-tendulkar-reason-ms-dhoni-batted-ahead-yuvraj-singh
  59. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/ms-dhonis-leadership-sachin-tendulkars-stability-yuvraj-singhs-mental-strength-paddy-upton-opens-up-on-indias-2011-world-cup-win/articleshow/75004933.cms
  60. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/how-many-odi-cricket-world-cup-india-win
  61. https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/throwback-indias-world-cup-victory-parades-1983-2007-2011/
  62. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-india-2005-06-218259/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-test-226361/full-scorecard
  63. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ms-dhoni-28081/bowling-batting-stats
  64. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/most-matches-as-captain-283746
  65. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-2012-13-598808/india-vs-australia-1st-test-598812/full-scorecard
  66. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/time-to-liberate-ms-dhoni-771989
  67. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/border-gavaskar-trophy-2014-15-754713/australia-vs-india-3rd-test-754741/full-scorecard
  68. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/30632182
  69. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/dec/30/ms-dhoni-retires-test-cricket-india
  70. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019-1144415/england-vs-india-38th-match-1144520/full-scorecard
  71. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ms-dhoni-announces-international-retirement-1194785
  72. https://www.thequint.com/sports/cricket/ms-dhoni-reveals-he-decided-retire-after-2019-icc-world-cup-semifinal-loss
  73. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/most-dismissals-in-career-283792
  74. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/csk-retain-dhoni-raina-ashwin-jadeja-bravo-708517
  75. https://www.sportsyaari.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-ipl-p105/
  76. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/keeping-most-dismissals-career/indian-premier-league-117
  77. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2024-stephen-fleming-on-csk-captaincy-change-as-ms-dhoni-steps-down-1425625
  78. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/61294176
  79. https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-captaincy-record-in-ipl-how-has-the-csk-veteran-fared-as-captain-over-the-years-353837.html
  80. https://www.thefederal.com/sports/cricket/ipl/ms-dhoni-captaincy-record-csk-ipl-181134
  81. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/indian-premier-league-ipl-playoffs-chennai-super-kings-csk-record
  82. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2021-1249214/chennai-super-kings-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-final-1254117/full-scorecard
  83. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/ms-dhonis-batting-performance-in-csks-five-ipl-title-winning-seasons-2875439
  84. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2022-1298423/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-33rd-match-1304079/match-report
  85. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/player-stats/ms-dhoni/3676
  86. https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/news/csk-win-5th-ipl-title-as-mentor-dhoni-has-last-laugh-in-hardik-s-territory-123053000027_1.html
  87. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2024-gt-vs-csk-stephen-fleming-says-ms-dhoni-is-fit-but-his-workload-is-being-managed-1433101
  88. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/dhoni-ipl-2024-stats-records-performance-tracker-gt-vs-csk-chennai-super-kings/article68162645.ece
  89. https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/134009/ms-dhoni-returns-as-csk-captain-for-ipl-2025-after-gaikwad-injury-blow-cricbuzzcom
  90. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/ms-dhoni-csk-captain-ipl-2025-ruturaj-gaikwad-injury
  91. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ms-dhoni-ipl-2025-chennai-super-kings-csk-batting-performance-stats-numbers/article69617104.ece
  92. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-to-play-ipl-2026-as-csk-open-to-trading-top-player-to-get-sanju-samson-on-board-report-101762516870438.html
  93. https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/cricket/ms-dhoni-to-play-ipl-2026-chennai-super-kings-confirms
  94. https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2024/ms-dhonis-knees-are-getting-worn-out-ex-csk-stars-massive-comment-says-if-he-was-in-wheelchair-5239449
  95. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/ms-dhoni-on-impact-player-rule-ipl-felt-wasnt-really-needed-9904818/
  96. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y2z448e8xo
  97. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-videos/solve-it-the-science-behind-ms-dhoni-s-helicopter-shot-1232689
  98. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/book-extract-the-insider-906543
  99. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/vishal-dikshit-yuvraj-singh-and-ms-dhoni-produce-a-sequel-for-the-ages-1078522
  100. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ms-dhoni-28081/tests-odi-t20-records
  101. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/batting-most-runs-career/indian-premier-league-117
  102. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-surfer-decoding-ms-dhoni-s-art-of-wicketkeeping-1014227
  103. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/most-stumpings-in-career-283339
  104. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-jury-s-out-what-s-the-best-signature-move-1065499
  105. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sharda-ugra-is-there-madness-in-dhoni-s-method-506375
  106. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/how-can-india-best-use-ms-dhoni-in-the-world-cup-1176468
  107. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ed-smith-peaks-or-high-plateaus-what-makes-a-player-great-604650
  108. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kartikeya-date-was-dhoni-someone-who-looked-to-take-games-to-the-last-over-not-quite-1201277
  109. https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/trends/leadership/captain-cool-dhonis-life-and-its-lessons-for-success-in-management-and-the-corporate-world/87269170
  110. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/world-cup-2011-dhoni-s-spin-on-spinners-is-a-googly-505468
  111. https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/992393/-in-high-pressure-moments-the-quality-of-decision-making-matters-more-than-skill
  112. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/t20-world-cup/ind-vs-pak-t20-world-cup-2007-final-last-over-joginder-sharma-ms-dhoni-captain-strategy-win-credit-take-blame/article68203615.ece
  113. https://www.news18.com/cricket/i-wanted-to-go-ms-dhoni-reveals-why-he-came-out-to-bat-ahead-of-yuvraj-singh-in-2011-odi-world-cup-final-final-9212697.html
  114. https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/ms-dhoni-ipl-captaincy-records/
  115. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/individual-most-matches-as-captain/indian-premier-league-117
  116. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-never-cultivated-aggression-even-when-they-were-no-1-620733
  117. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/india-nz-world-cup-semifinal-dhoni-at-no-7-a-tactical-blunder-say-former-cricketers/article61596813.ece
  118. https://www.cricexec.com/ms-dhoni-net-worth-ipl-salary-bcci-pension-endorsements-investments-and-luxury-lifestyle/689561915/
  119. https://startuptalky.com/ms-dhoni-endorsed-brands/
  120. https://m.economictimes.com/industry/services/advertising/ms-dhonis-11-year-innings-with-pepsico-ends-virat-kohli-the-new-icon/articleshow/53902846.cms
  121. https://unstop.com/blog/ms-dhoni-salary
  122. https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/markets/ms-dhoni-signs-42-endorsement-deals-in-6-months-surpasses-bollywood-stars-check-details-net-worth-more/ar-AA1vtLfe
  123. https://www.impactonnet.com/impact-stories/not-just-cricket-how-dhoni-redefined-celebrity-endorsements-11880.html
  124. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2012/07/26/ms-dhoni-sachin-tendulkar-lead-the-worlds-highest-paid-cricketers/
  125. https://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45igdi/31-mahendra-singh-dhoni/
  126. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-news-ms-dhoni-tops-cricket-s-rich-list-in-forbes-magazine-569116
  127. https://www.business-standard.com/sports/business/ms-dhoni-business-empire-investments-startups-cloud-kitchen-hob-acko-seven-125080400536_1.html
  128. https://www.planify.in/investors/mahendra-singh-dhoni/
  129. https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/cricket-captain-ms-dhoni-announced-as-chennaiyin-fc-co-owner
  130. https://www.cnbctv18.com/entertainment/ms-dhoni-production-company-announces-first-film-lets-get-married-15782821.htm
  131. https://entrepreneurloop.com/cricket-icon-ms-dhonis-silent-surge-into-startup-investments/
  132. https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/how-has-ms-dhoni-built-a-multi-million-dollar-empire-10-business-ventures-brands-and-investments-353845.html
  133. https://housing.com/news/a-peek-into-ms-dhoni-sprawling-farmhouse-in-ranchi/
  134. https://dwello.in/news/ms-dhonis-homes-where-captain-cool-lives-in-style
  135. https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ms-dhoni-emerges-as-a-relentless-investor-in-startup-landscape-73297.htm
  136. https://thesportstak.com/cricket/indian-premier-league-22-mar-2024/story/from-building-schools-and-promoting-sports-among-underprivileged-youth-ms-dhoni-is-changing-lives-beyond-cricket-3051431-2024-06-14
  137. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/dhoni-foundation-encourages-budding-players/articleshow/7455768.cms
  138. https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/dhoni-to-launch-cricket-academy-in-ranchi-1404.html
  139. https://www.chennaisuperkings.com/news/newsdetailspage/5077/3
  140. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ms-dhoni-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-and-kl-rahul-contribute-memorabilia-for-cricket-for-charity-auction-2580820-2024-08-12
  141. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/ms-dhoni-parents-attend-ipl-2025-csk-vs-dc-match-chepauk-9926832/
  142. https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/who-are-ms-dhonis-parents-devki-devi-and-pan-singh-all-you-need-to-know-3662816.html
  143. https://www.dnaindia.com/viral/report-meet-ms-dhoni-s-elder-sister-jayanti-married-to-csk-star-s-best-friend-works-as-teacher-her-husband-is-3146956
  144. https://www.india.com/viral/meet-woman-who-supported-dhoni-to-pursue-his-cricket-career-married-former-csk-captains-best-friend-now-works-as-teacher-she-is-sister-jayanti-gupta-7921746/
  145. https://www.familyrootapp.com/blog/ms-dhoni-family-tree
  146. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/the-truth-about-sakshi-and-dhoni/story-8FrJbW54UrhSGy1pxg4FYP.html
  147. https://www.indiatvnews.com/photos/know-the-love-story-of-m-s-dhoni-and-his-wife-sakshi-1720.1704
  148. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dhoni-ties-knot-with-longtime-friend-sakshi-in-dehradun/articleshow/6128930.cms
  149. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/mahendra-singh-dhoni-and-sakshi-love-story-exclusive-details-4047
  150. https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/ms-dhonis-daughter-ziva-studies-in-this-prestigious-school-can-you-guess-the-fees/articleshow/119705730.cms
  151. https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-daughter
  152. https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/shaadi-hai-meri-suresh-raina-reveals-how-ms-dhoni-invited-him-to-his-wedding-watch-article-106234299
  153. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/sport/ms-dhoni-their-very-own-ranchi-boy-and-much-more-738978/
  154. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/super-cars-imports-india/225091-ms-dhonis-impressive-car-bike-collection.html
  155. https://crictoday.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-bike-collection/
  156. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/i-have-the-luxury-of-timing-dhoni-on-ipl-retirement-1881327
  157. https://thesportsrush.com/cricket-news-ms-dhoni-dogs-all-we-know-about-msd-dogs-breed-price-name/
  158. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/watch-ms-dhoni-playing-golf-with-donald-trump/articleshow/103492515.cms
  159. https://www.facebook.com/GreatLearningOfficial/posts/coming-from-humble-beginnings-ms-dhoni-always-had-a-penchant-for-sport-and-loved/1244158012582538/
  160. https://vocal.media/journal/ms-dhoni-fitness-and-diet-plan-for-a-physique
  161. https://www.wisden.com/series/indian-premier-league-2023/cricket-news/ms-dhoni-knee-surgery-last-hurrah-ipl-2024-retirement
  162. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/diet-and-workout-secrets-of-ms-dhoni/photostory/76835294.cms
  163. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKlaSRiM2Gu/
  164. https://www.news18.com/cricket/why-is-ms-dhoni-not-active-on-social-media-bcci-vice-president-reveals-there-is-no-cheapness-9212059.html
  165. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-breaks-the-internet-in-never-seen-desi-avatar-posts-video-of-driving-tractor-in-ranchi-farm-101675866780060.html
  166. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o3kl349x2w
  167. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/most-dismissals-in-career-283384
  168. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/fastest-to-10000-runs-283192
  169. https://stats.acscricket.com/Records/ODI/Overall/Players/Most_Dismissals_by_Wicketkeeper_in_a_Career.html
  170. https://www.iplt20.com/teams/chennai-super-kings/archive
  171. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-england/ms-dhoni-becomes-second-wicketkeeper-to-score-10000-odi-runs/articleshow/64991910.cms
  172. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/dhoni-completes-10000-odi-runs/article24422105.ece
  173. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/Players/PlayerOverview_ODI.asp?PlayerID=3243
  174. https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/most-sixes-in-international-cricket-career-1697116612-1
  175. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/keeping-most-dismissals-career/world-cup-12
  176. https://www.cricmetric.com/playerstats.py?player=MS%20Dhoni&format=All&role=batsman
  177. https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/players/ms-dhoni-ipl-p3243/
  178. https://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/ms-dhoni-ipl-records-career-stats-auction-prices-achievements-and-personal-profile/featureshow/117081928.cms
  179. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/batting-most-sixes-career/indian-premier-league-2025-16622
  180. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/batting-most-runs-innings/jharkhand-6558/list-a-matches-5
  181. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ms-dhoni-calms-jharkhand-on-day-of-toil-1075025
  182. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dhoni-to-receive-rajiv-gandhi-khel-ratna-363641
  183. https://testbook.com/question-answer/which-of-the-following-cricketer-was-awarded-rajiv--5e429c72f60d5d0f27a72895
  184. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/Dhoni-receives-Padma-award/article16854754.ece
  185. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43624842
  186. https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/know-why-india-s-master-finisher-ms-dhoni-received-padma-bhushan-dressed-as-an-army-officer-1203514-2018-04-03
  187. https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/cricketworldcup/news/ten-years-on-from-the-inspired-gamble-that-won-the-world-cup-for-india
  188. https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/ashwin-jadeja-spin-india-to-elusive-title
  189. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-2010-424694/sri-lanka-vs-india-final-455237/full-scorecard
  190. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-2015-16-966595/bangladesh-vs-india-final-966765/full-scorecard
  191. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/greater-victory-than-world-twenty20-dhoni-341046
  192. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tri-nation-series-2013-597920/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-597929/full-scorecard
  193. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2024-ruturaj-gaikwad-takes-over-from-ms-dhoni-as-the-new-csk-captain-1425580
  194. https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/dhoni-wins-icc-odi-player-of-the-year-award-29667-2008-09-10
  195. https://www.wisden.com/players/ms-dhoni-3676
  196. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ms-dhoni-captain-of-wisdens-all-time-indian-xi-3042552/
  197. https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/21492146/dhoni-only-cricketer-forbes-high-earners-list
  198. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/dhoni-ranked-16th-on-forbes-list-of-highest-paid-athletes/articleshow/20473482.cms
  199. https://www.forbes.com/pictures/ffeh45hekj/22-mahendra-singh-dhoni/
  200. https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2025/news/55556222/top-honour-ms-dhoni-inducted-into-icc-hall-of-fame
  201. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4169250/
  202. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/03/movies/review-ms-dhoni-the-untold-story-recalls-a-cricketers-ascent.html
  203. https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/roar-of-the-lion-csk-documentary-review-fans-an-afterthought-in-ms-dhonis-hagiography-6314781.html
  204. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ms-dhoni-special-appearance-thalapathy-vijay-goat-fans-frenzy-2594055-2024-09-05
  205. https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/report-ms-dhoni-makes-big-move-as-he-files-for-trademark-of-nickname-captain-cool-3164439
  206. https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/1870/these-dhoni-memes-are-pitch-perfect-for-celebrating-his-ausvind-man-of-the-series-win
  207. https://www.facebook.com/msdofficialfc/
  208. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ms-dhoni-retirement-tributes-pour-in-on-social-media-1229578
  209. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36353548/
  210. https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/advertising/fedex-and-csk-tributes-new-indias-entrepreneurs-in-new-ad/120301942
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.