Former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly had once referred to MS Dhoni as India’s best captain and said that his record did the talking. So as India’s ‘best captain’ retires from international cricket, it is imperative that one takes a look at everything he achieved while wearing the Captain’s armband.
The Ranchi-born cricketer made his foray into international cricket in 2004 and went on to become a household name across India. He holds the record of being the only captain to lead his team to victories in ICC World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and an ICC T20 World Cup.
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Dhoni led India to ICC T20 World Cup glory at the age of 26. With Dhoni at the helm, a young team with the likes of Joginder Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan went on to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
Similarly, Dhoni led Team India to victory in the 2011 ICC World Cup, defeating reigning champions Australia, arch-rivals Pakistan, and finalists Sri Lanka in the knockout stages of the tournament. India became World Champions after a span of 27 years
Under Dhoni’s guidance, the team also won the 2013 Champions League trophy by defeating England in their backyard. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and Dhoni’s adroit use of spinners Ashwin and Jadeja during the competition bore India rich dividends.
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Likewise, Dhoni also led India to the number one spot in the ICC Test Rankings in December 2009 and yet again in June 2011.
Dhoni also captained the Indian side that won the Asia Cup in 2010 and 2016.
MSD also guided Chennai Super King, the IPL franchise of which he is a part, to four IPL finals, winning the tournament in 2010, 2011, and 2018.
Dhoni also led Chennai to Champions League glory in the 2010 and 2014 edition of the tournament.
Dhoni-led India in 184 One Day internationals winning 110 and losing 74. Similarly, the Ranchi-born wicketkeeper led India in 45 Test matches, winning 27 of them.
