MS Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, commonly known as MS Dhoni, is an Indian former international cricketer and wicketkeeper-batter who captained India across international formats. He also became one of the most prominent players and leaders in the Indian Premier League.
Dhoni represented India in Test, One Day International and Twenty20 International cricket. He became particularly associated with wicketkeeping, finishing innings with the bat and leadership in limited-overs cricket. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Early life
MS Dhoni was born on 7 July 1981 in Ranchi, in present-day Jharkhand, India. He developed an interest in sports during his school years and initially played football before focusing on cricket.
Dhoni developed his cricket skills in Ranchi and progressed through domestic cricket before earning recognition at the national level.
Domestic cricket
Dhoni represented Bihar and later Jharkhand in domestic cricket. His performances as a wicketkeeper-batter helped him attract attention from selectors and eventually led to opportunities with India A.
His performances for India A helped establish him as a candidate for the Indian international side.
International career
Dhoni made his One Day International debut for India in December 2004 against Bangladesh. He later made his Test debut in 2005 and his Twenty20 International debut in 2006. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
During his international career, Dhoni became known for his wicketkeeping, powerful batting and ability to finish limited-overs matches.
Captaincy
Dhoni became captain of India's Twenty20 International side for the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 tournament. He subsequently became captain of India's ODI and Test teams. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
His international captaincy included victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He is the only captain to have won all three of those major ICC limited-overs tournaments. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
World Cups
Under Dhoni's captaincy, India won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. India later won the 2011 Cricket World Cup, with Dhoni scoring an unbeaten 91 in the final against Sri Lanka.
India also won the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy under Dhoni's captaincy. These victories became significant milestones of his international career. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Indian Premier League
Dhoni has been closely associated with Chennai Super Kings since the beginning of the Indian Premier League. He also played for Rising Pune Supergiant during the period when Chennai Super Kings were suspended from the competition. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
With Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni has been associated with multiple IPL title victories and has remained one of the franchise's most recognisable players.
Batting and wicketkeeping
Dhoni is a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper. His playing style became known for powerful hitting, finishing matches and inventive stroke play.
His international career included 350 One Day Internationals, 90 Test matches and 98 Twenty20 Internationals. His ODI career included a highest score of 183 not out against Sri Lanka. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Achievements
Dhoni's major honours include the ICC World Twenty20 title in 2007, the Cricket World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
He received the Padma Shri in 2009, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2008 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Social Links
References
- International cricket player profile and career information
- Indian Premier League — MS Dhoni player information
- Cricket statistics and player profile information
- International cricket records and career information