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Top 7 Knocks of MS Dhoni in International Cricket

image-ljmzujhoMS Dhoni's record in ODIs is simply sensational (ICC Twitter)

Regarded as one of India's cricketing stalwarts, MS Dhoni ascended to global prominence with his unruffled leadership style, leading India to sweeping victories in the T20 World Cup 2007, ICC World Cup 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, making him the only skipper to clinch all three prestigious ICC tournaments.

MS Dhoni's legacy with the bat is timeless

Dhoni's arrival on the global stage was marked by his ferocious hitting, but his batting style saw a profound evolution when he shouldered the mantle of captaincy in ODIs. Known for his intelligent running between the wickets, cool-headedness, and signature power-hitting skills, Dhoni carved out his legacy as one of cricket's most formidable wicketkeeper-batsmen.

Dhoni's ODI career is studded with a plethora of achievements. Scoring a formidable 10,773 runs in 350 matches, he reached the prestigious 10,000-run club faster than any other wicketkeeper in history. His ODI tally includes 73 half-centuries and 10 centuries at a stunning average of 50.58 which is a testament to his unbelievable consistency.

The charismatic cricketer's record in Test matches is equally commendable, having scored 4,876 runs in 90 games, marked by six hundreds and 33 fifties. Dhoni's prowess extended to T20s as well, where he accumulated 1,617 runs across 98 matches, with a commendable strike rate of 126.1 to go with two fifties.

After Sachin Tendulkar, he emerged as the binding force for Indian cricket fans, ensuring edge-of-the-seat thrillers until the last ball.

Let’s take a look at top 7 knocks by MS Dhoni in international cricket.

1. ICC World Cup 2011 Final vs Sri Lanka - 91* 

Dhoni's most unforgettable knock came during the pivotal ICC World Cup Final in 2011. Despite a lukewarm performance throughout the tournament, he made a bold decision to move himself up the batting order in this game of epic proportions. Chasing a challenging target of 275, India found itself in a precarious position at 114/3 in 22 overs.

image-ljmzzm7gMS Dhoni's winning six at Wankhede Stadium (Twitter)

Following Virat Kohli's dismissal at 35, Dhoni stepped onto the pitch. He skillfully countered Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and built a vital partnership with Gautam Gambhir that brought India back into the game. Dhoni then clinched the World Cup with a winning six off Nuwan Kulasekara, breaking India's 28-year-long wait for the trophy. The Indian captain's heroics came to the fore when they were most needed, and his magnificent, unbeaten 91-run innings from just 79 balls earned him the Player of the Match award in the final.


2. India vs Pakistan 2nd ODI - (2005) - 148*

Dhoni's maiden stamp on international cricket came during the 2005 series against Pakistan. After a modest beginning to his ODI career which saw him get out for a duck on his debut,  the legendary stumper was unexpectedly promoted to No.3 in his fifth ODI following Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal in the fourth over. This tactical move by skipper Ganguly set the stage for a sensational innings.

image-ljn00t93MS Dhoni celebrates his maiden ODI ton (ICC Twitter)

Dhoni partnered initially with Virender Sehwag in a thrilling 96-run stand. He then shared a 149-run partnership with Rahul Dravid, of which his explosive contribution was 99 off 76 as India scored a mammoth total of 356/9 which proved an insurmountable challenge for Pakistan, resulting in a comprehensive 58-run victory for India. Dhoni remained not out on 148 off 123 balls with 15 fours and four maximums to his name.

3. India vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI - (2005) - 183*

Dhoni crafted his highest ODI score, a magnificent 183 not out off 145 balls merely six months after scoring his maiden ton. This third match of a 7-game series, where India already held a 2-0 lead, saw Sri Lanka posting a robust 298-run total, courtesy of centuries from Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

image-ljn02sofMS Dhoni soaking in the applause after his iconic 183* vs Sri Lanka (BCCI Twitter)

The Indian innings commenced on a precarious note with the early dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar. However, Dhoni, unperturbed, stepped onto the crease and unleashed a batting masterclass. His blistering knock, laced with 15 fours and 10 sixes, dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

4. India vs Australia 2nd ODI – (2009) - 124

During the second match of the seven-match series between India and Australia in Nagpur, Dhoni played an extraordinary innings that proved to be a turning point in the series. India, trailing 1-0, was in dire need of a victory, and Dhoni's brilliant performance helped them level the series. The Indian veteran's innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting.

image-ljn04lm8MS Dhoni & Suresh Raina (Twitter)

Dhoni displayed immense skill and composure as he scored 124 runs off just 107 deliveries with nine fours and three sixes. Throughout his innings, the then Indian captain formed crucial partnerships with Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina, who also contributed significantly to India's total. With Dhoni's exceptional batting display, India managed to set a formidable target of 354 runs for Australia.


5. India vs Sri Lanka – Caribbean Tri-Series Final – (2013) - 45*

Dhoni's unforgettable last-over heroics in the Celkon Cup final against Sri Lanka in 2013 created a thrilling climax that is still cherished by fans. Dhoni entered the crease when India was in a favorable position, with Rohit Sharma already well-set and the target of 202 runs within reach. Little did anyone anticipate the dramatic turn of events that was about to unfold. India, despite their strong start, suffered a dramatic collapse, stumbling from 139/3 to a precarious 182/9.

image-ljn07vt7MS Dhoni finished the thrilling final with his trademark six (Twitter)

Dhoni found himself stranded at one end, with the hopes of an entire nation resting on his shoulders. With 17 runs required off the last two overs, the tension in the stadium was apparent. Ishant Sharma managed to survive the penultimate over from Sri Lankan bowler Angelo Mathews, setting the stage for Dhoni's heroics in the final over. As the saying goes, “cometh the hour, cometh the man”, Dhoni struck three crucial boundaries off Shaminda Eranga's bowling, leading India to a thrilling victory with two balls to spare.


6. India vs Australia – 1st Test – (2013) - 224

In the first Test of the four-match series against Australia in Chennai, Dhoni rose to the occasion with a stunning double century, rescuing India from a difficult position at 196/4 in response to Australia's 380. Taking charge with Virat Kohli, Dhoni crafted a pivotal 128-run partnership for the fifth wicket, steadying the Indian ship in the face of an aggressive Australian bowling attack.

image-ljn08ourMS Dhoni became the first Indian stumper to score a double ton in Tests (Twitter)

As the innings progressed, the Indian captain showcased his grit and determination, forming a breathtaking 140-run partnership with the lower-order batsman Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the ninth wicket to help India reach 572 and completed his double ton in the process. His innings comprised 24 boundaries and six maximums.


7. India vs Pakistan 1st ODI – (2012) - 113*

Dhoni showcased his resilience and calmness as he single-handedly rescued India from a disastrous start. Batting first after losing the toss, India found themselves in deep trouble at 29-5. Realizing the urgency, Dhoni took charge and led a magnificent fightback. Playing alongside the lower order, he ensured India batted the full 50 overs, displaying a masterclass in batting under pressure.

image-ljn0bb2pMisbah-ul-Haq congratulates MS Dhoni after his fighting century (Twitter)

Dhoni's innings was nothing short of extraordinary as he carved out a sensational knock of an unbeaten 113 runs off 125 balls. With a blend of calculated aggression and measured shot selection, he guided India to a respectable total. However, despite his heroics, Pakistan managed to chase down the target with 11 balls to spare, resulting in an Indian defeat.