Legendary cricketer MS Dhoni has received one of cricket’s highest honours, being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The International Cricket Council announced on June 9 that Dhoni would become the 11th Indian to join the prestigious list, ahead of his 44th birthday on July 7. This recognition comes nearly five years after his retirement from international cricket in 2020.
Dhoni, affectionately known as “Captain Cool,” retired after playing his last international match in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final. His absence from the game for over a year ended with his formal retirement on August 15, 2020.
Born in Ranchi, Jharkhand, in 1981, Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 against Bangladesh. He quickly made headlines with a blistering 148-run innings against Pakistan in just his fifth ODI. Rising through the ranks, Dhoni captained India to major victories, including the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy, making him the only captain to win all three ICC limited-overs tournaments. He also led India to Asia Cup titles in 2010 and 2016.
With over 10,000 ODI runs, numerous records as a wicket-keeper, and a reputation for excelling under pressure, Dhoni’s contributions to Indian cricket are legendary. He was named ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009.
Other Indian greats in the ICC Hall of Fame include Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Bishan Singh Bedi, and more.
