New Delhi [India]: ‘Thala’, skipper, icon, legend, trophy collector, ICC Hall of Famer — MS Dhoni, the man who has every major cricket trophy to his name, turned 44 on Monday. Revered globally for his calm under pressure and tactical brilliance, Dhoni remains a cornerstone in Indian cricket’s golden history.
Since making his international debut in 2004, Dhoni has carved out a legacy that is both monumental and unmatched. From leading India to all ICC trophies to inspiring millions as Chennai Super Kings’ “Thala”, the Ranchi-born star has become a national treasure, giving back to both his country and hometown in abundance.
A Stats Giant and Game-Changer
Across formats, Dhoni amassed 17,266 international runs, effected 829 dismissals, and represented India in 538 matches. He’s been a revolutionary force, much like Adam Gilchrist, proving that wicketkeepers can be elite batters too.
He redefined the role with match-winning knocks and explosive batting. Alongside Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, he formed one of the most formidable middle-orders in Indian ODI history.
Master of ODIs
Dhoni’s best format remains the One Day Internationals (ODIs):
- 350 matches, 10,773 runs
- Average: 50.57
- Centuries/Fifties: 10/73
- Highest Score: 183*
- India’s 6th-highest ODI run scorer
What stands out is that he achieved this batting lower down the order, a rarity among elite run-getters.
He captained India in 200 ODIs, winning 110 with a win percentage of 55%, guiding the team to ICC World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013 victories.
T20I Contributions
In T20 Internationals, Dhoni:
- Played 98 matches, scoring 1,617 runs
- Average: 37.60 | Strike Rate: 126.13
- Best Score: 56 | 2 Half-centuries
- Captained India to ICC T20 World Cup 2007 title
He led India in 72 T20Is, winning 41, with a win percentage of 56.94.
Test Leadership and Legacy
In Test cricket, Dhoni played:
- 90 matches, 4,876 runs
- Average: 38.09
- 6 centuries and 33 fifties
- Best Score: 224
He captained India in 60 Tests, winning 27, and drew 15, making him one of India’s most successful Test skippers. He led India to No.1 in ICC Test Rankings, and remains the only Indian captain to whitewash Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2010–11 & 2012–13).
IPL & Franchise Glory
A titan of franchise cricket too, Dhoni is:
- 6th-highest run scorer in IPL with 5,439 runs in 278 matches
- Average: 38.30 | Strike Rate: 137+ | 24 fifties
- Won 5 IPL titles and 2 Champions League T20 titles with Chennai Super Kings
His leadership turned CSK into one of the world’s most adored franchises. Stadiums erupt with “Dhoni! Dhoni!” chants even at the glimpse of him in the dugout.
From 2004 Debut to Icon Status
When he debuted in 2004 as a 23-year-old, few could’ve foreseen Dhoni becoming a global icon. But his lightning-fast stumpings, towering sixes, and that trademark helicopter shot made him unforgettable.
Today, as he turns 44, MS Dhoni continues to be a symbol of grace, grit, and greatness — a role model not just for Indian cricketers but for sports lovers around the world.
Happy Birthday, Mahi. Thank you for everything.