Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former Indian captain announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday. Dhoni led the Indian team to victories at a T20 World Cup, an ODI World Cup, a Champions Trophy, and countless other series.

Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 and won several laurels with the Indian team. He is the only captain in cricketing history to hold an ICC World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and an ICC T20 World Cup. Board of Cricket Control for India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly once said, “Dhoni is the greatest captain of our country. His record is proof of that.”

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The wicketkeeper from Ranchi is known for his presence of mind on the field and as VVS Laxman observed, “He(Dhoni) has the uniqueness to respond to a tough situation with ease.”

What has made Dhoni’s captaincy stand out over the years is his ability to stay calm under pressure situations. The 39-year-old has often made decisions that seemed odd to the experts at that point, but resulted in India winning the game. 

Here are some occasions when MS Dhoni surprised everyone with his decision during a crucial game, but was praised for that move later: 

ICC T20 World Cup 2016 match against Bangladesh

In a do or die encounter in the first round of the tournament, India had to defend 146 against an exuberant Bangladesh side. With a position in knockouts on the line, Dhoni managed to retain his ice-cool temper till the last ball of the final over. MSD took a gutsy call by letting newcomer Hardik Pandya bowl the final over. With 11 runs needed, Pandya conceded 9 runs of the first three deliveries. What followed next has been labelled as a master-stroke by former England captain Michael Vaughan. Dhoni switched fielders adroitly, allowing two quick dismissals in the next two deliveries. With the match evenly poised and 2 runs needed of the final delivery, Dhoni advised Pandya to bowl a full-length delivery. Tail-ender Shuvagata Hom, missed the delivery but nonetheless attempted a run and Captain Cool dashed to stumps and dislodged them, ensuring that India won the game.

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ICC Champions Trophy 2013 final, India versus England

Having scored a paltry 129 in 20 overs, India needed a disciplined performance from its bowlers to deliver them the ICC Champions Trophy. Captain Dhoni made judicious use of his ace spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin to curb England’s successful run-chase. The skipper made a bold move to assign Ishant Sharma the 17th over. Sharma had already conceded 27 runs from his previous three overs and the decision was anything but conventional. However, the move paid rich dividends as Sharma dismissed Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara to turn the tide. With 19 needed from 12 deliveries, Jadeja and Ashwin took over and ensured that India won the match.

ICC World Cup Final 2011

Deemed favourites at the start of the tournament, India faced Sri Lanka in the final of the ICC World Cup in 2011. Having to chase a stiff total of 274, India was up against the likes of Latish Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan. They lost openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virendra Sehwag within the first six overs. With the stakes high, skipper Dhoni promoted himself up the order. He added 109 runs with Gautam Gambhir to take India in a comfortable position. After Gambhir’s dismissal, Dhoni stayed on till the end and ensured that India lifted the trophy.